Hurghada International Airport, located 5 kilometres southwest of El Dahar in Hurghada, Egypt, serves as a key gateway to the Red Sea’s renowned resorts, welcoming over 8 million passengers annually. As Egypt’s second-busiest airport after Cairo, it connects to 83 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with airlines like EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI Airways, and Air Cairo operating regular flights. Its two modern terminals and focus on leisure travel make it a practical hub for holidaymakers seeking sun, sea, and coral reefs.
The passenger experience at Hurghada Airport is straightforward, though it can feel busy during peak seasons. The airport operates two terminals: Terminal 1, with 72 check-in counters and 20 gates, handles most international and domestic flights, while Terminal 2, used for charter and low-cost carriers, manages seasonal surges with gates 13–22. Arrivals often involve a short walk from the tarmac or a quick bus transfer, with signage in English and Arabic guiding passengers to baggage claim or immigration. Check-in, supported by self-service kiosks, is efficient, but kiosks can take 10–15 seconds to load, and queues may form during summer months.
Security screening requires liquids in a 1-litre bag and electronics removed, with a second screening for international flights, leading to wait times of 15–45 minutes during peak periods. Staff are generally helpful, though some travellers report expectations of tips at check-in or restrooms. A free assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance, includes wheelchairs and priority lanes, ensuring accessibility despite basic facilities. Visa-on-arrival counters ($25–$30) streamline entry, but long queues can occur if only a few windows are open.
Accessing the airport is convenient due to its proximity to Hurghada’s city centre and resorts. The E75 motorway, via El-Nasr Street, offers a 10–20-minute drive. Local KTEL buses and microbuses run every 10–15 minutes to El Dahar or resort areas like Sahl Hasheesh for €1–€2, taking 15–25 minutes, though they lack fixed stops and may require cash payments.
Taxis, available 24/7 outside arrivals, cost €10–€20 to the city centre, with fares best agreed in advance. Car hire desks from Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar are in Terminal 1, and a 1,500-space car park, with short- and long-term options, starts at €5 per day, just steps from the terminals. Late-night bus services are limited, and traffic on El-Nasr Street during peak hours can slow travel, so allowing extra time is wise.
The airport’s layout is functional, with Terminal 1’s three-level, 92,000-square-metre design housing check-in and departures on the upper floors and arrivals on the ground level. Terminal 2, smaller and focused on seasonal traffic, shares a single runway (3,000 metres). Gates are within a 5–10-minute walk from security, and digital flight displays provide updates, though the lack of tannoy announcements requires passengers to check monitors frequently. Seating can be scarce in summer, and ongoing construction for a new terminal may cause minor disruptions.
Delays are uncommon, with strong on-time performance, but average delays of 15–30 minutes can occur during peak summer and holiday seasons due to high passenger volumes, understaffing, or weather conditions like strong winds. Travellers should arrive three hours early for international flights and two for domestic to account for security and immigration queues. Dining and retail options are adequate. Terminal 1’s departure hall features cafes like Costa Coffee, fast-food outlets like McDonald’s, and a restaurant serving Egyptian and European dishes, open from 6 am. to 10 pm. Heinemann Duty Free, Relay, and souvenir shops sell jewellery, perfumes, and local crafts, though prices may be higher than in Hurghada’s markets. The Pearl Lounge in Terminal 1, accessible for £25 or via Priority Pass, offers snacks, Wi-Fi, and sleep pods.
Facilities cater to essential needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, though registration is required. ATMs, currency exchange, a 24-hour medical centre, and a post office are present, alongside a children’s play area and a mosque. Baggage storage (€3–€5 per hour) and wrapping services (€23 per item) are available, and a lost-and-found desk operates via . 20 65 344 5543. Accessibility features include ramps, lifts, and wheelchair lanes, though some travellers note limited bus accessibility. Pet relief areas are in the arrivals and departures halls.
Connections are limited, as the airport focuses on point-to-point leisure routes. The minimum connection time is 35 minutes, but self-transfers require clearing security and immigration, taking up to an hour. Popular routes to Cairo, London, and Düsseldorf are frequent, but passengers should allow a two-hour buffer to avoid delays from congestion or power outages, which some reviews note as occasional issues. Checking flight status via www.hurghada-airport.com or Flightradar24 is advised.
