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Discover Cairo International Airport, Egypt's busiest hub with four terminals, a history dating back to WWII, and a range of services and nearby hotels for travelers. Learn about its transportation options at Cairo International Airport!
| Overview | |
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| Owner | Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation |
| Operator | Cairo Airport Company |
| Serves | Greater Cairo |
| Location | Heliopolis, Cairo |
| Opened | 1963 |
Cairo International Airport is one of the busiest and largest airports in Egypt and Africa. It serves as the main hub for the airlines Egypt Air, Egypt Air Express, and Nile Air, among others.
The airport is located in the city of Heliopolis in the northeast of Cairo, around 15 km "9.3 mi" for the city's business area, and the airport is about 37 sq km "14 sq mi". It is known for being the second busiest airport in Africa after the O.R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa, Johannesburg.
The history of the Cairo airport goes back to WWII when the United States Army Air Forces built the Payne airfield, which is located 5 km "3.1 mi" away from north-eastern Cairo, to serve the Allied forces as an air transport command air cargo and passenger hub across the north and west of Africa. When the American forces left the base at the end of the war, the civil aviation authority took over the facility and started using it for international civil aviation, but in 1963; the Cairo International Airport was born to replace the old one.
The newly founded airport is under the administration of the Egyptian holding company for airports and air navigation that controls Cairo Airport company, the National Air Navigation Service, the Egyptian Airport Company, and aviation information technology.
The airport terminal is a building where passengers shift between ground transportation and facilities that allow them to board and get off the aircraft. It is also the place where passengers purchase tickets, transfer their luggage, and go through security. The airport has four terminals. The third terminal, which is the largest, opened on 27 April 2009, and Terminal 2 reopened on 28 September 2016 after renovation works.
In 2010, a third parallel runway replaced the crossing runway. The terminal facilities include departure hall 1, international hall 3, and hall 4, which are used for private and non-commercial aircraft services. Terminal 1 is known as the Old Airport even after being given a complete overhaul recently, and Terminal 2 is known as the New Airport.
Terminal One was used by EgyptAir and several Middle Eastern airlines, but in 2006, a number of foreign carriers, like Air France and KLM, transferred operations from Terminal 2. It has 12 gates, an array of services, and entertainment facilities for travelers. In 2010, with the renovation works, all the non-star airlines moved to the terminal. All the departures and arrivals of all the airlines departing from Terminal 1 Hall 1, except for Saudia, which is the sole tenant of Hall 2 of Terminal 1, because the Saudia visitors accounted for 65% of Terminal 2's traffic in 2009. Hall 3 is the arrival of most international airlines and the airmail. Hall 4 is dedicated to private jet services and operates independently of the commercial passenger terminal.
Terminal 2 serves European, Gulf, and East Asian airlines. It was under renovation for three years, from 2012 to 2015, and officially opened in February 2017 when Saudi Arabian Airlines launched its first international flight from Terminal 2. The terminal is 1.500 sq m and can hold 30 million passengers annually. It has 14 gates and an additional five remote stands.
Terminal 3 is the biggest terminal in the airport; it was opened in 2009 with the capacity to handle 11 million passengers annually, six million international and five domestic. Terminal three has 23 gates, 76 immigration counters, seven baggage carousels, and 50 moving walkways, and the retail space covers more than 5,000 sqm. It is connected by a bridge to terminal two. The Terminal's three landside roads include a bridge and fly-over serving the traffic to and from the main terminal building. It holds a multi-story parking garage capable of holding more than 3000 cars. Next to it is the 350-room luxury five-star Le Meridien hotel, which is linked to the terminal by 230 m (750 ft) long skyway.
In 2011, the seasonal flight terminal west of Terminal 3 was opened. It has a capacity of 3.2 million passengers, 27 check-in counters, seven gates with a common gate and single security concept, and is the first of its kind in Cairo. It handles 1200 passengers per hour.
One of the terminal transfers is the mini metro people mover, which links three terminals, including the AirMall. It is located between terminals 2 and three.
The mini metro is an air-cushioned 1.85 km (1.15 mi) system with a top speed of 50 km/h "31 mph". Upon arrival, there are many ways to leave the airport, such as by limousine, shuttle bus, taxi, or public bus.
There are things every traveler needs to know before landing at Cairo International Airport, such as filling out your arrival card, which will be handed to you by the flight attendants. Follow the luggage claim, which will take you straight to the immigration hall. If you need to buy your visa, which will cost about (25 $) or the equivalent amount in Euro, which are both acceptable, then you should head to the counter of the bank located just next to the passport control office.
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Read MoreWhen you have the visa, stick it to an empty page of your passport, then process it to police immigration control with the landing card you filled in previously so you can pass the police control. You will then head to the conveyor belt to collect your luggage and exit through the arrival hall, where You will find our employee carrying a sign with your name on it. Then, head to your A.C. private car, where you will begin your chosen tour.
There are numerous hotels near Cairo International Airport that provide comprehensive services. Le Méridien Cairo Airport, connected to Terminal 3, features a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Novotel Cairo Airport offers tranquil outdoor pools, airport shuttle service, and diverse dining options. Le Passage Cairo, located in Heliopolis, boasts dining options, a discotheque, a casino, and a shuttle service. Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo Heliopolis provides a rooftop pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and modern guest rooms. Hilton Cairo Heliopolis Hotel combines modern comfort with Egyptian heritage, offering pools, a casino, and multiple dining options.
Concorde El Salam Hotel Cairo features eight restaurants, two outdoor pools, and private stables. Tulip El Galaa Hotel Cairo offers stylish accommodations, an outdoor pool, and proximity to popular attractions. Golden Park Hotel in Heliopolis provides contemporary rooms, Italian cuisine, and a rooftop bar. Ocean Blue Studios, near City Stars, offers 4-star accommodations with a restaurant and garden. Sun City Hotel - The Gabriel in Heliopolis, close to the Baron Palace, provides luxurious rooms and gourmet French cuisine at Salt Restaurant and Bar.
Cairo International Airport is a state-of-the-art establishment that is equipped with all the means and tools to assist with their easy transition from the moment of arrival to boarding and, of course, departure. These services may vary in availability and quality depending on the terminal and specific areas within Cairo International Airport. It's always a good idea to check with the airport's website or inquire upon arrival for the most up-to-date information. These services provided at Cairo International Airport include:
Airport Lounges are typically available for business class passengers or members of specific loyalty programs that offer comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers and business facilities. The airport offers special services that may be available for VIP passengers or those requiring special assistance, such as elderly passengers or passengers with disabilities. There are usually medical clinics or first aid stations to assist passengers in case of medical emergencies or minor health issues. Staffed information desks or information kiosks are available to assist passengers with inquiries about flights, airport facilities, and other related information.
Restaurants and Cafes offer various dining options that are available throughout the airport, ranging from fast food to sit-down restaurants that serve both local and international cuisine. The airport has a business center with facilities such as computers, printers, and fax machines, plus offices for car rentals. Currency Exchange and Banking Services such as Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available for travelers to exchange currency or withdraw cash. Duty-free Shopping across the airport allows passengers to purchase a variety of goods, such as alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs. There are other retail shops selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and more. Wi-Fi and Charging stations are free and are often available throughout the airport, along with charging stations for electronic devices. There are also Baggage handling services, including luggage carts and assistance for lost or damaged baggage, which are usually provided. If you need to find any belongings during your journey, there's typically a lost and found office where you can inquire about and retrieve lost items.
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The distance from Giza Pyramids to Cairo International Airport is about 21.4 kilometers. The travel time by car typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes. The distance from central Giza to the airport is slightly longer, around 25.6 kilometers to 27.1 kilometers. The travel time by car can vary depending on traffic conditions but is generally between 35 and 50 minutes.
Cairo International Airport is the largest airport in Egypt and one of the busiest in Africa it has three terminals that cover a total area of 3,600 hectares. The Number of runways includes two while the Number of gates is 92, plus the total passenger capacity is about 30 million passengers per year.
At Cairo International Airport, passengers have various transportation options including a mini metro people mover that links three terminals, limousine services, shuttle buses, taxis, and public buses. The mini metro operates on an air-cushioned system and has a top speed of 50 km/h.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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