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
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 Borg El Arab International Airport