Marsa Alam International Airport is a new commercial airport that is important for Egyptian tourism.
The country’s first privately run airport is located in the south of the country, near Port Ghalib and above the diving site of Marsa Alam. Since the opening of the airport, the often lengthy and tiring bus journey from Hurghada Airport, which is approximately 270 kilometers further north, has been eliminated.
In addition to the numerous charter flight connections to predominantly European countries, regular scheduled flight connections to Cairo are offered from Marsa Alam, from where further connecting flights are possible.
- URL: Marsa Alam International (RMF)
- Time zone: GMT 2
- Service telephone: +2 65 3700003
- Adresse: Marsa Alam International Airport, Port Ghalib, Red Sea, Egypt
- Betreiber: EMAK Marsa Alam for Management & Operation Airports SAE (Aeroports de Paris)
- Parking: Yes, there are enough parking spaces available.
- Transport connections: The airport is located at Port Ghalib, approx. 60 kilometers north of Marsa Alam.
- Flight distribution by day of the week: Monday (7.91%), Tuesday (12.99%), Wednesday (12.63%), Thursday (16.51%), Friday (6.55%), Saturday (18.74%), Sunday (24.68%)
- Other Schemes: Cosmetics, Marsa Alem, Bronze Age, Mosquitoes, Morsi Ilam, Mother’s Day, Marsa Alem, Morsi Ilam
Most popular flight destinations from Marsa Alam International (flights per week)
- Zürich (12, 8,76 %)
- Düsseldorf (12, 8,76 %)
- Threshold(10, 7.30 %)
- Mailand – Malpensa(10, 7.30%)
- Amsterdam (8, 5,84 %)
- Hurghada(7, 5,11%)
- Hannover (6, 4,38 %)
- Sharm El Sheikh(6, 4.38%)
- München (6, 4,38 %)
- Frankfurt-Main (6, 4,38 %)
- other (39.41%)
Top airlines (share of takeoffs/landings)
- Neos Air (60, 23,72 %)
- Corendon Airlines Europe(32, 12.65 %)
- TUI fly (32, 12,65 %)
- TUI Airlines Nederland(20, 7.91%)
- Smart Wings (16, 6,32 %)
- easyJet (16, 6,32 %)
- Edelweiss Air (16, 6,32 %)
- TUI fly Belgium (14, 5,53 %)
- Eurowings Discover (8, 3,16 %)
- Luxair(8, 3.16%)
- other (12.26%)
Location
The airport, which went into operation in 2003, is located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Marsa Alam near the town of Port Ghalib. It can be reached via highway #24 (Suez – Bir Shalatyn). There is neither a taxi nor a bus service at the airport. Passengers are usually picked up or dropped off at their hotels.
Nearby Cities to Marsa Alam International Airport
Marsa Alam
Location and Accessibility: Marsa Alam is the closest city to Marsa Alam International Airport, located approximately 70 kilometers north of the airport. The city is easily accessible via the coastal highway, with taxis and shuttle services available for transportation.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Originally a small fishing village, Marsa Alam has rapidly developed into a major tourist destination known for its unspoiled natural beauty and excellent diving spots.
Key Attractions:
- Abu Dabbab Bay: Famous for its resident dugongs and sea turtles, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Elphinstone Reef: One of the Red Sea’s premier diving locations, renowned for its steep walls, coral formations, and diverse marine life, including sharks.
- Wadi El Gemal National Park: A protected area that combines stunning desert landscapes with rich marine biodiversity, offering both land and sea adventures.
El Quseir
Location and Accessibility: El Quseir is located about 140 kilometers north of Marsa Alam International Airport. It can be reached via the coastal highway, with buses, taxis, and private transfers available for travelers.
Historical and Cultural Significance: El Quseir has a rich history dating back to ancient Egypt, serving as a major port for trade and pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The city boasts a blend of historical architecture and modern resorts.
Key Attractions:
- Ottoman Fortress: A well-preserved fort built in the 16th century, offering panoramic views of the city and the Red Sea.
- Old Town: Characterized by narrow streets, traditional houses, and bustling local markets, providing a glimpse into the city’s past.
- Diving and Snorkeling: El Quseir is known for its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Port Ghalib
Location and Accessibility: Port Ghalib is situated approximately 67 kilometers north of Marsa Alam International Airport. It is easily accessible via the coastal highway, with a range of transportation options including taxis and shuttle services.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Port Ghalib is a modern resort town developed to cater to luxury tourism. It features a state-of-the-art marina, upscale accommodations, and various recreational facilities.
Key Attractions:
- Port Ghalib Marina: A hub for yachting and boating activities, offering luxury amenities and stunning waterfront views.
- Diving and Snorkeling: The town is renowned for its excellent diving sites, including vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species.
- Shopping and Dining: Port Ghalib offers a variety of shopping outlets, international restaurants, and vibrant nightlife options, providing a cosmopolitan experience.
Shalateen
Location and Accessibility: Shalateen is located approximately 290 kilometers south of Marsa Alam International Airport. It is accessible via the coastal highway, with limited public transportation options, making private transfers the most convenient mode of travel.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Shalateen is a remote town near the Sudanese border, known for its traditional Bedouin culture and camel trading market. It offers a unique cultural experience for travelers seeking to explore the less-visited parts of Egypt.
Key Attractions:
- Shalateen Camel Market: One of the largest camel markets in Egypt, where Bedouins trade camels in a vibrant, traditional setting.
- Bedouin Villages: Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Bedouin people, including their customs, cuisine, and crafts.
- Desert Safaris: Shalateen offers opportunities for desert excursions, allowing travelers to explore the rugged landscapes and experience the tranquility of the desert.
Wadi El Gemal
Location and Accessibility: Wadi El Gemal is a national park located about 50 kilometers south of Marsa Alam International Airport. The park is accessible via the coastal highway, with taxis and guided tours available for transportation.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Wadi El Gemal, which means “Valley of the Camels,” is a protected area that encompasses both terrestrial and marine environments. It is known for its biodiversity, including endangered species and archaeological sites.
Key Attractions:
- Wadi El Gemal National Park: Offers a mix of desert and marine ecosystems, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and bird watching.
- Hamata Islands: A group of islands within the park, known for their untouched coral reefs and ideal snorkeling conditions.
- Ancient Mines: The park is home to historical mining sites that date back to the Ptolemaic period, providing insights into ancient resource extraction methods.