Cairo International Airport is the largest and most important airport in Egypt and the hub of the scheduled airlines Air Cairo, Alexandria Airlines, AMC Airlines, AlMasria Airlines, Egypt Air , Egypt Air Express, Nesma Airlines and Nile Air.
With more than 60 different regularly operating scheduled airlines It is, after South Africa’s Johannesburg Tambo International Airport, the second busiest on the entire African continent and also an important hub for air connections between Europe and the Middle East.
- URL: Cairo International (CAI)
- Time zone: GMT 2
- Service telephone: +20 226-55-000
- Address: Cairo International Airport, Oruba Road, Heliopolis, Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt
- Operator: Cairo Airport Authority (CAA)
- Parking: Yes, for a fee, more than 7,600 short- and long-term parking spaces at all three terminals.
- Nearby cities: Cairo (17 km), Qalyub (20 km), Giza (23 km), Al Ḩawāmidīyah (29 km), Bilbays (36 km), Banha (43 km), Az Zaqāzīq (53 km), Abu Kabir ( 72 km), Tanta (84 km), Mahalla al-Kubra (98 km)
- Transport connections: The airport is located on the northeastern outskirts of the city and is approx. 16 kilometers from the main train station (Midan Ramses) and approx. 18 kilometers from the Egyptian Museum (Midan Tahrir).
- Train connections: The main station is at Midan Ramses, from there there are regular train connections to the north (e.g. Alexandria, Tanta or Ismailiya) and to the south (e.g. Luxor, Edfu or Aswan).
- Flight distribution by weekday: Monday (14.16%), Tuesday (13.39%), Wednesday (13.02%), Thursday (14.56%), Friday (14.99%), Saturday (14.97%), Sunday (14.90%)
- other spellings: Cairo Int’l, Kahire, Cairu, El Cairo, Al-Qahirah, Qahirə, Qaire, Káhira, Le Caire, Qahîre, Kairas (Egipte), Kaherah (Mesir), Caïro, Kair, Qahira, Qaahiro, Каир, Каір, Кайро, Әл-Қаһира, Қоҳира, Каһирә, Каїр, Κάιρο, القاهرة, القاهره, কায় রো, قاهره, קהיר, काहिरा, Կահիրե, カイロ, კაირო, 카이로, قاہرہ, கெய ்ரோ, ไคโร, 开罗, 開羅, ميناء القاهرة الجوي, القاهرة
Most popular flight destinations from Cairo International (flights per week)
- Jeddah – King Abdulaziz Intl. (162, 5.99%)
- Kuwait International(142, 5.25%)
- Amman – Queen Alia Intl. (116, 4.29%)
- Dubai International(112, 4.14%)
- Riyadh – King Khaled Intl. (101, 3.73%)
- Abu Dhabi(76, 2.81%)
- Luxor(73, 2.70%)
- Sharm El Sheikh(72, 2.66%)
- Aswan(71, 2.62%)
- Beirut(68, 2.51%)
- other (63.3%)
Top airlines (share of takeoffs/landings)
- Egyptair(2796, 51.73%)
- Air Cairo(274, 5.07%)
- Nile Air(201, 3.72%)
- Air Arabia Egypt(170, 3.15%)
- Saudi Arabian Airlines(166, 3.07%)
- Flynas(132, 2.44%)
- Emirates Airline(112, 2.07%)
- Air Arabia(108, 2.00%)
- Royal Jordanian(102, 1.89%)
- Jazeera Airways(96, 1.78%)
- other (23.08%)
Location
The airport is located approximately 16 kilometers northeast of the city center on the edge of the Heliopolis district. The quickest way to reach it is via Salah Salem Road.
There is a regular shuttle bus service between the airport (Terminal 1) and the city center, the buses run every 30 minutes and stop from north to south in the districts of Heliopolis, Nasr City, City Center (Midan Ramses and Midan Tahrir), El Mohandeseen, El Maadi and Hellwan. Furthermore, arrival and onward travel is also possible with taxis, rental cars and limousines. The expansion of metro line 3 to the airport was not yet completed.
Nearby Cities to Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the primary airport serving Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. It is one of the busiest airports in Africa and a major hub for travelers in the region. Several cities and towns are located near the airport, each offering unique attractions, historical significance, and cultural experiences. This overview will cover some of the notable nearby cities, including Cairo, Giza, Heliopolis, Nasr City, and New Cairo.
Cairo
Location and Accessibility: Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the nearest major city to Cairo International Airport. It is located approximately 22 kilometers southwest of the airport, making it easily accessible via the Cairo Ring Road and various public transportation options, including taxis and airport shuttles.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Cairo is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that spans over a thousand years. It is home to numerous historical sites, including the famous Cairo Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, and the historic Islamic Cairo district, which features medieval mosques, madrasas, and bazaars.
Key Attractions:
- The Egyptian Museum: Houses the world’s most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
- The Cairo Citadel: A medieval Islamic fortification with stunning views of the city.
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar: A bustling market offering a variety of goods, from spices to jewelry.
Giza
Location and Accessibility: Giza is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Cairo International Airport. It is easily reachable via the Cairo Ring Road and other major highways. Public transportation and taxis are readily available for travel between Giza and the airport.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Giza is globally renowned for its archaeological significance, primarily due to the presence of the Giza Plateau, which houses some of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt.
Key Attractions:
- The Pyramids of Giza: The Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure are among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- The Great Sphinx: A limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, symbolizing strength and wisdom.
- Solar Boat Museum: Located near the Great Pyramid, it displays an ancient Egyptian ceremonial solar barque.
Heliopolis
Location and Accessibility: Heliopolis is a suburban district of Cairo, situated approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Cairo International Airport. It is one of the closest residential areas to the airport, offering convenient access via major roads and highways.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Heliopolis was established in the early 20th century and is known for its distinctive architecture, combining modern European styles with traditional Egyptian elements. It was originally built as a garden city for Cairo’s elite.
Key Attractions:
- Baron Empain Palace: An architectural marvel inspired by Hindu temples, built by Belgian industrialist Baron Empain.
- Korba District: Known for its beautiful colonial-era buildings, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife.
- Heliopolis Sporting Club: A popular venue for sports and social gatherings among locals.
Nasr City
Location and Accessibility: Nasr City is located about 12 kilometers southeast of Cairo International Airport. It is a major commercial and residential district, well-connected to the airport via the Salah Salem Road and other major thoroughfares.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Nasr City is one of Cairo’s newer districts, developed in the mid-20th century. It is known for its modern infrastructure, large shopping malls, and residential complexes.
Key Attractions:
- City Stars Mall: One of the largest shopping malls in Egypt, featuring a wide range of international brands, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Al-Azhar Park: A beautifully landscaped park offering panoramic views of Cairo, perfect for leisurely walks and family outings.
- Cairo International Conference Center: A major venue for international conferences, exhibitions, and events.
New Cairo
Location and Accessibility: New Cairo is a newly developed city located approximately 20 kilometers east of Cairo International Airport. It is designed to alleviate the congestion of central Cairo and is easily accessible via the Cairo-Suez Road and other major highways.
Historical and Cultural Significance: New Cairo is a planned city, characterized by its modern urban planning, residential compounds, and educational institutions. It represents the future expansion of Cairo, aiming to provide a high quality of life for its residents.
Key Attractions:
- Cairo Festival City: A massive mixed-use development featuring shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including an IKEA store and a large outdoor amphitheater.
- The American University in Cairo (AUC): A prestigious university offering world-class education and a beautiful campus with cultural and social activities.
- Rehab City: A self-contained residential community with its own shopping centers, schools, and recreational facilities.