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
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.
โ Back to Cairo International Airport