โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), recently renamed Alexandria International Airport, is the primary aviation gateway for Alexandria and Egypt's northern coast. Located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Alexandria's city center, the airport replaced the older El Nouzha Airport in 2010 to become the region's main commercial hub. The original terminal, famous for its distinct boat-shaped design, has recently been supplemented by a massive new Terminal 2. This expansion has significantly increased the airport's capacity to 6 million passengers annually, reflecting its role as a vital link for international tourism and the growing industrial sectors of the Nile Delta.
The airport complex is organized across two main terminal buildings. Terminal 1 features a three-story layout where the ground floor manages check-in and baggage, the second floor handles arrivals and airline offices, and the third floor is dedicated to international departures and passport control. The new Terminal 2 is a state-of-the-art facility covering 40,000 square meters, incorporating eco-friendly features such as solar energy and energy-efficient cooling systems. Both terminals are equipped with telescopic jet bridges and modern security screening, ensuring a streamlined flow for both domestic and international travelers navigating the boat-shaped architectural complex.
Facilities at Borg El Arab are comprehensive and designed for international standards. Travelers can find a variety of dining options, including Abu Auf and Segafredo Cafรฉ, as well as several duty-free shops offering luxury cosmetics, tobacco, and traditional Egyptian souvenirs. For those seeking a quiet retreat, the Pearl Lounge in the international departure area provides comfortable seating and business amenities. The airport also offers essential services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi. With its expanded parking areas and modernized infrastructure, the airport provides a professional and efficient entry point to the historic "Bride of the Mediterranean."
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Borg El Arab International Airport is efficient due to its modern, integrated facilities. Domestic transfers typically take under 45 minutes within the same terminal. However, manual baggage handling is common, so always verify if your luggage is through-checked. With the addition of Terminal 2, ensure you know which terminal your next flight departs from. If you are on a single ticket, your airline will manage the transfer between gates, but those on separate bookings should allow at least 2.5 hours to account for terminal navigation and security re-entry.
International connections require more buffer time for mandatory formalities. Arriving international passengers must clear immigration and customs at HBE before proceeding to domestic gates. It is recommended to allow at least 3 hours for these transfers, especially during peak travel seasons. If you are self-transferring between separate tickets, ensure a 4-hour window to reclaim baggage and re-check in. Security screening at Egyptian hubs is thorough and involves multiple checkpoints, so arriving 3 hours before an international departure is the standard recommendation.
The airport is 40 kilometers from Alexandria city center, with the drive taking approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Pre-booking a private car or using the HYPER bus is highly advised, as local taxis can be unreliable. For layovers of 6 hours or more, a trip to the Library of Alexandria or the Mediterranean waterfront is feasible. Within the airport, several premium lounges and dining options like Abu Auf offer comfortable spaces to wait. Always carry your travel documents and a printed itinerary, as security staff frequently check these at various points throughout the terminal.
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 Borg El Arab International Airport