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
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.
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