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
For travelers connecting between international flights at HRG, allow at least 3 hours, especially if your transfer involves moving between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. If you are self-transferring to a domestic EgyptAir flight, ensure you have a minimum of 2.5 hours to account for luggage retrieval and terminal transit. Most international tourists arrive on direct charters and proceed directly to their resorts, making the arrivals area particularly busy during the mid-day peak. The facility maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather-related delays common in the region. Ground transportation options include rental vehicles and taxi services, though advance booking is recommended. Seasonal weather patterns significantly impact flight operations, requiring travelers to maintain flexible schedules. The airport's strategic location serves multiple communities across the surrounding region. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are maintained year-round for community safety. Local aviation services include flight training, aircraft maintenance, and specialized charter operations. Weather monitoring systems provide essential data for safe flight operations in challenging conditions. The facility coordinates closely with regional air traffic control for optimal flight routing. Baggage handling procedures are streamlined due to the airport's focused operational scope.
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), historically serving as Alexandria International Airport, is officially closed to all scheduled commercial air traffic. For travelers, the most critical connection tip is to ensure your flight is booked to Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), which now serves as the sole commercial gateway for the Alexandria region. ALY, which traces its history back to the Royal Air Force's RAF Maryut during World War II, transitioned to permanent closure for commercial operations in 2011 to consolidate regional traffic at the more modern HBE facility.\n\nWhile some private jet charter services may still reference ALY, all scheduled airlines, including EgyptAir and various international carriers, operate exclusively from Borg El Arab, located approximately 45 to 50 kilometers southwest of Alexandria's city center. If you are arriving in the region, the most reliable way to connect to central Alexandria from the active hub at HBE is via the hourly direct bus service to the Moharam Bek Bus Station, a journey of roughly 60 minutes. Alternatively, official airport taxis operate with fixed-rate fares ranging from 250 to 550 EGP depending on your final destination and the time of day. Pre-booking a private transfer through your hotel or a reputable ride-hailing app like Uber or Careem is highly recommended to avoid negotiation and ensure a timely arrival.\n\nFor those with onward international connections from Cairo (CAI), allow at least four to five hours for the road transfer between Alexandria and the capital's main hub. The road journey via the Desert Road is well-maintained but can be subject to significant traffic during peak hours. Always double-check your IATA airport codes before travel; if your itinerary mistakenly lists ALY, contact your airline immediately to rectify the booking to HBE to avoid being denied boarding or arriving at a defunct facility.
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