โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
El Nouzha Airport (ALY), historically known as Alexandria International Airport, is a significant aviation landmark situated just 7 kilometers southeast of Egypt's vibrant Mediterranean city of Alexandria. For many years, it served as the primary air gateway to this major port and cultural center, handling both domestic routes and international charters. However, in 2011, the airport ceased all commercial airline operations, a decision driven by the need to consolidate traffic and streamline services to the region's more modern facilities.
Following its closure to scheduled commercial flights, the airport's operations have been fundamentally altered. While the original terminal building remains standing, it is no longer accessible to the general public or commercial passengers. Instead, the airfield's infrastructure is now primarily utilized for private aviation, executive jet charters, and military or government flights. This limited access underscores its transition from a public transit point to a specialized facility catering to a select group of users, offering a discreet and direct entry into the Alexandria area for authorized personnel.
The operational focus of air travel to Alexandria has completely shifted to Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE). Located about 40 kilometers southwest of the city, HBE is a modern, expansive airport equipped to handle a high volume of international and domestic traffic. It features multiple terminals, advanced passenger amenities, and serves as the sole destination for all scheduled commercial airlines flying into the Alexandria governorate, including EgyptAir and various international carriers.
For any traveler planning a trip to Alexandria, it is paramount to confirm that your flight booking is for Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) and not El Nouzha (ALY). Understanding this distinction is crucial for managing your travel itinerary. While ALY retains its historical presence and remains available for specific authorized operations, all public passenger services, including check-in, security, baggage claim, and onward transportation arrangements, are exclusively handled at HBE. This ensures a consistent and modern travel experience for the vast majority of visitors to the region.
๐ Connection Tips
El Nouzha Airport (ALY) is no longer the airport travelers should be using for Alexandria-area commercial service. That was already true for years, but the position is even clearer now because Alexandria Governorate announced in August 2025 that Borg El Arab International Airport would be renamed Alexandria International Airport effective 4 September 2025, reinforcing Borg El Arab as the region's primary commercial gateway. In practical terms, anyone planning an Alexandria connection should treat ALY as historical reference only and build the itinerary around the renamed Borg El Arab airport instead.
That matters because outdated airport names and old booking references can still create confusion. If a traveler sees 'Alexandria International' in older material, they need to confirm whether the source is talking about the closed El Nouzha field or the renamed Borg El Arab facility. As of the 2025 renaming, the commercial answer is the latter.
If your final destination is central Alexandria, the real planning question is how you will transfer from the active airport to the city, not how to connect through ALY. That means protecting the road time from Borg El Arab and being realistic about traffic, especially if you are connecting onward by rail, cruise, or another domestic service.
ALY therefore should not be treated as a live commercial connection airport. The best connection tip here is a corrective one: book and plan for Alexandria's active airport, not the closed historical one, and verify airport names carefully when comparing itineraries or older travel information. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Abu Rudeis Airport (AUE) is a regional aviation facility located on the southwestern coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, serving the industrial city of Abu Rudeis. Situated along the Gulf of Suez, the airport primarily supports the vital oil and gas sector in the region, managing a steady flow of corporate charters, government flights, and logistics for the surrounding offshore platforms. The terminal features a compact, integrated building that is designed for efficiency and passenger comfort in the harsh desert climate.
Inside the terminal, travelers can find a range of essential amenities. The facility is fully air-conditioned and provides comfortable seating areas, a small cafeteria serving traditional Egyptian refreshments, and a canteen for staff and contract workers. While the airport does not house extensive international duty-free malls, a small gift shop is typically available offering local souvenirs and press. The terminal is equipped with modern elevators and provides free Wi-Fi access for passengers transiting through the departures hall.
Operational efficiency at Abu Rudeis is anchored by its 6,562-foot asphalt runway, which is well-maintained to handle regional turboprops and private jets. Security and safety procedures are managed by the Egyptian civil aviation authorities, with a focus on supporting the high volume of Petroleum Air Services (PAS) flights. Despite its industrial focus, the terminal provides a professional and organized environment for guests transitioning to the Red Sea coast or the nearby Saint Catherine's Monastery, significantly reducing the travel time compared to the long overland desert drives from Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh.
๐ Connection Tips
Abu Rudeis Airport (AUE) serves as a specialized gateway for the industrial and historic sites of the Sinai Peninsula. For travelers, 'connecting' at AUE is a localized experience because the facility handles domestic charter flights. Most arrivals are operated by Petroleum Air Services (PAS) connecting Abu Rudeis with Cairo (CAI). If your plans require an international carrier, you will almost certainly need to travel to Cairo first. It is recommended to allow at least 3 to 4 hours for this transfer in the capital to ensure a smooth transition through security checkpoints.
Ground transportation to central Abu Rudeis is integrated with the local industrial infrastructure. Taxis are usually available to meet announced charter arrivals, but it is highly recommended to pre-arrange your pickup through your host, as on-demand services can be inconsistent. For those seeking to explore the coast, car rental can be arranged with prior notice, though many prefer private company shuttles. The drive from the airport to the city center is fast, typically taking less than 15 minutes via the coastal highway.
Travelers should arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure to assist with manual baggage processing. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
The terminal environment provides essential comfort but lacks extensive retail or ATM services, so it is vital to carry sufficient Egyptian Pounds (EGP) in cash for local expenses. Sinai weather can be extreme, with high temperatures impacting operations; always maintain close contact with PAS for real-time updates. If you have an extended layover, the nearby coastal views of the Gulf of Suez offer a unique landscape. For missed connections, the airline service counters are located in the main lobby to provide logistical support.
โ Back to El Nouzha Airport