Abu Simbel Airport is one of the most important commercial airports in the North African Arab Republic of Egypt, which is predominantly used for tourism. The temple complexes, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located in Nubia, in the southwest of the country, just before the border with Sudan. There are regular scheduled flight connections to the city of Aswan, approximately 240 kilometers away, and to the capital Cairo , from where further connecting flights are possible.
- URL: Abu Simbel (ABS)
- Time zone: GMT 2
- Service telephone: +20 97 340 1701
- Operator: Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Parking: Yes, there are enough parking spaces available.
- Transport connections: The airport is located approx. 3 kilometers north of the city and approx. 4 kilometers north of the Ramses II Temple.
- Flight distribution by day of the week: Monday (17.21%), Tuesday (14.88%), Wednesday (13.95%), Thursday (15.81%), Friday (20.47%), Saturday (17.67%), Sunday (0.00%)
- andere Schreibweisen: Ebu Simbel, Abou Simbel, Abu Szimbel, Aboe Simbel, Abu Simbel, Abu Simbel, Αβου Σίμπελ, אבו סימבל, אבו סימבל, Əbu-Simbel, אבו סימבל, אבוסמבל, 아부 심벨 신전, מקדשי אבו סימבל, אבו סימבל, Abu Simbel, Abu Simbel, Abu Simbel, Abu Simbel
Location
The airport is only about 3 kilometers north of the town, directly on the highway from Aswan to Abu Simbel.
Nearby Cities to Abu Simbel Airport
Abu Simbel
Location and Accessibility: Abu Simbel is the closest settlement to Abu Simbel Airport, located just a few kilometers away. The city is easily accessible via taxis and shuttle services from the airport.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Abu Simbel is world-famous for its monumental temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. These temples were relocated in a massive UNESCO-led project to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Key Attractions:
- Great Temple of Ramses II: This massive rock-cut temple is renowned for its colossal statues of Ramses II and intricate carvings depicting his victories and divine status.
- Temple of Hathor: Dedicated to Queen Nefertari, this smaller temple is equally impressive, with detailed reliefs and statues.
- Sound and Light Show: An evening show that brings the temples to life with lights and narration, highlighting their history and significance.
- Abu Simbel Museum: A museum that provides insights into the relocation project and the history of the temples.
Aswan
Location and Accessibility: Aswan is located approximately 280 kilometers north of Abu Simbel. It is accessible by road, with buses and private cars providing transportation options. There are also regular flights from Abu Simbel Airport to Aswan International Airport.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Aswan is a major city in Upper Egypt, known for its rich history and as a gateway to Nubia. It has been a vital trade and cultural center for centuries.
Key Attractions:
- Philae Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, known for its beautiful island setting and well-preserved architecture.
- Aswan High Dam: An engineering marvel that controls the Nile’s flow and created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes.
- Unfinished Obelisk: A massive obelisk that was abandoned due to a crack, offering insights into ancient stone-cutting techniques.
- Nubian Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and educational programs.
- Elephantine Island: An island in the Nile with archaeological sites, traditional Nubian villages, and beautiful views.
Wadi Halfa
Location and Accessibility: Wadi Halfa is located just across the border in Sudan, approximately 60 kilometers south of Abu Simbel. It is accessible by road and boat across Lake Nasser.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Wadi Halfa is a key town in northern Sudan and a gateway to the country’s archaeological and cultural treasures. It has a rich history connected to the ancient kingdom of Nubia.
Key Attractions:
- Lake Nasser: The vast lake created by the Aswan High Dam, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and sightseeing.
- Wadi Halfa Museum: A small museum showcasing artifacts from the region’s ancient and modern history.
- Archaeological Sites: The area around Wadi Halfa is rich in archaeological sites, including ruins of ancient temples and settlements.
- Local Markets: Wadi Halfa’s markets offer a variety of goods, including traditional crafts, textiles, and food products.
Toshka
Location and Accessibility: Toshka is located approximately 150 kilometers north of Abu Simbel. It is accessible by road, with buses and private cars providing transportation options.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Toshka is known for the Toshka Project, an ambitious agricultural development initiative aimed at transforming the desert into arable land.
Key Attractions:
- Toshka Lakes: Artificial lakes created as part of the Toshka Project, offering opportunities for fishing and birdwatching.
- Agricultural Fields: The project has created vast agricultural fields, showcasing modern irrigation and farming techniques.
- Desert Landscapes: The surrounding desert offers stunning landscapes and opportunities for desert safaris and exploration.
Kalabsha
Location and Accessibility: Kalabsha is located approximately 50 kilometers south of Aswan, near the western bank of Lake Nasser. It is accessible by road and boat from Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Kalabsha is known for its ancient temples, which were relocated to avoid submersion by Lake Nasser.
Key Attractions:
- Kalabsha Temple: Originally located at Bab Kalabsha, this temple was moved to a new site near Aswan. It is dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis and features impressive reliefs and carvings.
- Beit el-Wali: Another relocated temple, known for its beautiful carvings depicting military victories and religious scenes.
- Kiosk of Qertassi: A small Roman kiosk moved from its original location, featuring elegant columns and carvings.