โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
International โ Domestic
120
minutes
International โ International
180
minutes
Interline Connections
180
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is the second-busiest airport in Egypt and the primary gateway to the Red Sea Riviera. The airport complex consists of two main passenger terminals: the modern Terminal 1, inaugurated in 2014 to handle full-service international flights, and the original Terminal 2, which primarily serves domestic routes and low-cost or charter carriers. Together, these terminals manage a significant volume of leisure travelers from Europe and the Middle East, offering a total capacity of several million passengers annually.
Terminal 1 features 72 check-in counters and 20 jet-bridge boarding gates, providing a spacious environment with high ceilings and extensive glass facades. Inside, travelers have access to a wide range of facilities, including multiple duty-free shops, international cafes, and several premium lounges. Terminal 2, while older, is well-equipped with its own check-in desks and retail areas. Both terminals provide essential traveler services such as currency exchange, SIM card kiosks, and numerous souvenir stores specializing in Egyptian handicrafts and Red Sea diving gear.
Navigating between the two terminals requires careful planning, as they are located approximately 1.5 kilometers apart and there is currently no regular shuttle bus service connecting them. Ground transportation is well-supported by local taxis and pre-arranged resort shuttles that connect the airport to the city center and the various luxury hotel complexes along the coast. The airport's location just five kilometers southwest of downtown Hurghada ensures quick transfers for arriving tourists. The airfield operates with a significant runway infrastructure, supporting over 40 international airlines and connecting to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Hurghada International Airport (HRG) requires careful planning, as the facility is primarily designed as a destination airport rather than a transit hub. The airport consists of two separate terminals located approximately 1.5 kilometers apart: the modern Terminal 1 handles most international traffic, while Terminal 2 is used for domestic flights and select charter services. There is no airside transfer between these buildings; passengers changing terminals must clear immigration, collect their baggage, and take a short taxi or walk landside to the next terminal. For international-to-domestic transfers, a minimum connection time of at least three hours is strongly recommended.
For many nationalities, including citizens of the USA, UK, and EU, a visa-on-arrival is available for $25 USD. It is essential to purchase your visa sticker from one of the bank counters in the arrivals hall before joining the immigration queue; carrying exact cash in USD is highly advisable to avoid poor exchange rates. Travelers should also be aware that Egypt enforces strict customs regulations; drones are prohibited and will be confiscated upon entry. Ground transportation to the city center, located 15 kilometers away, is best handled by pre-booked private transfers or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem, which offer more reliable pricing than official airport taxis.
If taking a taxi from the curb, ensure you negotiate and agree on the fare (typically 200-350 EGP) before starting the journey. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi and kiosks for local SIM cards (Orange or Vodafone), which are easier to obtain at the airport than in town. Arriving three hours before international departures is recommended due to multiple security layers.
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 heightened awareness of its dual civilian-military operational environment and strategic location just 45 kilometers from the Gaza Strip border crossing at Rafah. The airport primarily serves as an Egyptian Air Force base while accommodating limited civilian operations, with approximately 600 flights annually across 16 routes operated by carriers including EgyptAir, Nile Air, Air Arabia Egypt, Flynas, and Saudia. Security considerations significantly influence all operations, and passengers should expect comprehensive screening procedures that may extend connection times beyond standard Egyptian airports.
Flight schedules at El Arish are particularly susceptible to disruption due to regional security developments in North Sinai, requiring travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and verify flight status within hours of departure. The terminal's capacity of 200 passengers per hour can create bottlenecks during peak periods, especially when humanitarian aid flights or religious pilgrimage charters coincide with regular services. Connections to Cairo via EgyptAir provide the most reliable onward domestic links, while international connections typically route through Amman, Dubai, or Saudi Arabian cities, though these services may be suspended or rerouted based on security assessments.
The airport's 24-hour customs and immigration services facilitate international connections, but travelers must ensure all Egyptian entry or transit visas are arranged in advance, as visa-on-arrival options may be restricted due to the sensitive location. Ground transportation between El Arish and other regional destinations requires security clearances and coordination with local authorities, making air connections the preferred option for onward travel. Passengers connecting through El Arish should maintain contact with their airline representatives throughout their journey, as the airport's role in humanitarian operations and proximity to conflict zones can result in sudden operational changes that affect civilian flight schedules.
โ Back to Hurghada International Airport