Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egypt and one of the largest in Africa, serving as the primary gateway to the country and the wider North African region. Located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of central Cairo in the Heliopolis district, the airport opened in 1945 as a joint civil-military facility and has expanded significantly over the decades. CAI handles over 22 million passengers annually across three terminals. Terminal 3, which opened in 2009, is the newest facility and serves as the primary hub for EgyptAir, the national carrier and a member of Star Alliance. Terminal 2 handles international carriers and charter flights, while Terminal 1 serves additional domestic and international services. The airport operates three runways and is connected to the city center via road transport, with plans for a monorail system to provide faster public transit connections. Cairo Airport serves as the main hub for EgyptAir and its subsidiaries and offers extensive connections to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The airport's geographic position in the northeastern corner of Africa makes it a natural crossroads between the African continent, the Arab world, and Europe. Cairo International has invested in terminal renovations and improved passenger processing in recent years to support Egypt's growing tourism sector, which draws millions of visitors annually to see the pyramids, Nile Valley temples, and Red Sea resorts.

Aviation Terms

机场灯光系统 (AGL: Airfield Lighting) 机场类别 (Airport Category) 机场标高 (ELEV: Airport Elevation) 机场消防站 (ARFF: Airport Fire Station) 机场贵宾室 (Airport Lounge) 机场基准点 (ARP: Airport Reference Point) 停机坪 (Apron) 自动护照查验 (APC: Automated Passport Control)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Cairo Airport to the city center?

Cairo Metro Line 3 connects the airport to downtown Cairo via Attaba and Nasser stations, with the journey taking about 45-60 minutes for EGP 10. This is the most affordable option. Taxis cost approximately EGP 200-350 (USD 6-11) for the 22 km trip, though travel time can exceed an hour due to Cairo's heavy traffic. Ride-hailing apps Uber and Careem are also widely used.

How many terminals does Cairo Airport have?

Cairo International Airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 is the oldest and serves several Middle Eastern and African carriers. Terminal 2 handles most international airlines and was renovated in 2016. Terminal 3, the newest and largest, serves EgyptAir and Star Alliance partners. A seasonal terminal handles Hajj and Umrah charter flights.

What is notable about Cairo Airport?

CAI is the busiest airport in Egypt and one of the busiest in Africa. It serves as the primary gateway to Egypt's ancient treasures including the Pyramids of Giza (40 km away), Luxor, and Aswan. The airport was originally built as a military airbase and has been continuously expanded since the 1960s to accommodate growing tourist and pilgrimage traffic.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Cairo Airport?

Free Wi-Fi is available in Terminal 3 and parts of Terminal 2. Coverage in Terminal 1 is limited. The Wi-Fi requires registration and provides basic browsing speeds. Premium lounges offer better connectivity. SIM cards from Vodafone Egypt, Orange, and Etisalat are available at airport shops.

Which airlines have a hub at Cairo Airport?

EgyptAir, a Star Alliance member and one of the world's oldest airlines (founded in 1932), uses CAI as its primary hub from Terminal 3. EgyptAir connects Cairo to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Nile Air and Air Cairo are domestic carriers also based at the airport.