โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
125
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Cairo International Airport operates three main terminals connected by shuttle buses and people movers. Terminal 3 is the largest and most modern facility, handling the majority of international traffic including EgyptAir and most foreign carriers. Terminal 2 serves some regional and charter flights, while Terminal 1 primarily handles domestic and limited international services. Inter-terminal transfers require exiting to landside and using shuttle buses, which can take 15-30 minutes including wait times.
Terminal 3 spans multiple levels with check-in on the ground floor and departures on the upper level. Security screening is centralized after check-in, with separate checkpoints for domestic and international flights. Wait times can vary significantly, ranging from 15 minutes during off-peak hours to 45 minutes or more during busy periods, particularly for international departures. The terminal features extensive duty-free shopping and multiple dining options once airside.
Walking distances within Terminal 3 are considerable โ gates can be up to 15-20 minutes from security, especially for the furthest international departure gates. Moving walkways help along some corridors, but passengers should budget adequate time. Immigration for international arrivals and departures is handled through dedicated checkpoints, with separate lines for Egyptian nationals, EU/GCC citizens, and other foreign nationals. Visa on arrival services are available for eligible nationalities.
Terminal facilities include EgyptAir lounges (Al Dhabi and Al Farsha), multiple restaurants serving Middle Eastern and international cuisine, coffee shops, and extensive duty-free shopping. The Pearl Lounge and Le Meridien Airport Hotel provide premium services for travelers. Currency exchange and ATM services are available in all terminals. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, though connection quality may vary.
Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance upon request, accessible restrooms, and elevator access between levels. Family facilities include baby changing rooms and prayer rooms (separate for men and women) located throughout the terminals. Ground transportation options include official airport taxis, ride-sharing services, and the Airport Shuttle Bus to various Cairo destinations.
๐ Connection Tips
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a massive and complex aviation hub serving as the primary gateway to Egypt and a critical transit point for Africa and the Middle East. Navigating connections here requires a clear understanding of the three main terminals. Terminal 3 is the exclusive hub for EgyptAir and its Star Alliance partners, while the recently renovated Terminal 2 serves major international carriers like Emirates, Air France, and Qatar Airways. Terminal 1, located approximately 1.5 kilometers away, primarily handles regional and low-cost flights.
For inter-terminal connections, the free MiniMetro (automated people mover) is the most efficient option, linking Terminal 1 with the central station serving Terminals 2 and 3. Alternatively, a free 24/7 shuttle bus circulates between all terminals every 30 minutes. If you are transiting between international flights on a through-ticket, follow the 'Connecting Flights' signs to the transfer desk; you will typically undergo a security re-check but won't need to clear immigration. However, if your connection involves a terminal change (e.g., from T1 to T3), ensure you have at least a two-hour buffer.
If you must clear immigration for a layover or a separate ticket connection, most tourists can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA). Crucially, you must visit one of the bank kiosks in the arrivals hall *before* joining the passport control queue. The visa sticker costs $25 USD and must be paid in cash (USD is preferred). Once you have the sticker, place it in your passport and proceed to immigration. After clearing customs, you will find several kiosks for local SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) and 24/7 ATMs. For transportation to downtown Cairo, Uber and Careem are highly recommended for reliable, fixed pricing, as negotiating with unofficial taxi drivers in the arrival hall can be difficult for first-time visitors.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
El Arish International Airport (AAC) serves as an important gateway to the North Sinai Governorate of Egypt, featuring a comprehensive terminal building covering 13,255 square meters within a total airport development of 27,077 square meters. The terminal is designed to handle approximately 200 passengers per hour and has undergone significant modernization to support both civilian and humanitarian operations. Inside, passengers will find essential facilities including comfortable waiting lounges, a dedicated business lounge with communication services such as fax and telephone access, and specialized areas including a children's play area spanning the single-terminal layout.
Security infrastructure at El Arish has been substantially enhanced with modern screening technology and digital flight information displays throughout the terminal. As an official Airport of Entry providing 24-hour customs and immigration services, the facility is equipped to handle international operations efficiently. The terminal houses various dining options including bars, restaurants, and cafes, alongside duty-free shops offering both local Egyptian goods and international products. Additional infrastructure includes a mosque covering 1,078 square meters, an arrival and departure hall of 515 square meters, and specialized facilities to support the airport's unique role in regional logistics.
The airport's strategic position near the Rafah border crossing has created a specialized operational environment focused on humanitarian aid, diplomatic missions, and regional connectivity. This has resulted in highly coordinated baggage handling and passenger assistance services managed by dedicated staff. Accessibility features include ramp access and specialized restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility. The facility also incorporates a Presidential building spanning 5,470 square meters, three electric power stations, and comprehensive utility infrastructure including water treatment facilities, reflecting the airport's importance in regional operations and its capacity to serve diverse mission types in the Sinai Peninsula.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at El Arish International Airport requires awareness of its specific operational context and regional significance. While scheduled commercial flights can be infrequent, the airport frequently serves as a hub for charter flights, religious pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah), and humanitarian operations. If your travel involves a connection here, it is vital to coordinate closely with your airline or sponsoring organization, as flight schedules can be subject to change based on security considerations or regional developments. Travelers should ensure all necessary Egyptian entry or transit visas are obtained in advance, especially if arriving from an international destination.\n\nFor passengers transiting between international and domestic flights, the small size of the terminal is an advantage, as transfer times are relatively short. However, you should still allow at least 75 to 90 minutes for international connections to account for passport control and customs formalities, which can be thorough given the airport's proximity to sensitive border areas. If you are continuing your journey to other parts of Egypt, such as Cairo or Sharm El Sheikh, verify whether your luggage will be checked through or if you need to reclaim and re-check it at the El Arish terminal.\n\nGround transportation from AAC to the city of El Arish and beyond is primarily facilitated by taxis and private shuttle services. While there are no major international car rental brands on-site, local arrangements can be made through the information desk. For those looking to connect to regional bus networks, it is advisable to pre-book a transfer to the main El Arish bus station. Given the specialized nature of much of the airport's traffic, travelers are encouraged to carry a printed copy of their itinerary and contact details for their local hosts or airline representatives to facilitate smooth passage through the various security checkpoints in the region.
โ Back to Cairo International Airport