Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, known as SSH, serves as a key gateway to Egypt’s Red Sea coast, handling over seven million passengers annually. Located 18 kilometres northeast of Sharm El Sheikh’s city centre, this bustling airport connects travellers to Europe, the Middle East, and domestic destinations like Cairo, with airlines such as EgyptAir, easyJet, TUI Airways, and Ryanair. Its modern facilities and proximity to resorts like Naama Bay make it a convenient entry point for holidaymakers.
Accessing the airport is straightforward, with several transport options to the city and nearby resorts. Minibuses, accommodating 5-10 passengers, offer a 20- to 30-minute ride to the city centre for around EGP 50, available outside the arrivals hall.
Taxis, stationed at both terminals, cost EGP 150-250 for a 15-minute trip to Naama Bay, though fares should be agreed upon in advance. Many hotels provide private shuttle services, bookable prior to arrival, ensuring a seamless transfer. Car rentals from Avis, Budget, and Sixt are available in the arrivals area, ideal for exploring Ras Mohammed National Park or Dahab. Drivers benefit from the airport’s location near the coastal road, with indoor and outdoor parking monitored by 24-hour security cameras, starting at EGP 30 per hour for short-term lots. Booking shuttles or checking taxi availability during peak summer months is recommended to avoid delays.
The airport’s layout features two terminals: Terminal 1, a modern 43,000-square-metre facility handling international flights, and Terminal 2, recently expanded with 12 gates for domestic and some regional routes. Terminal 1, opened in 2007, has 40 check-in counters, two domestic and six international gates, all leading to remote stands requiring bus transfers for boarding. The compact design ensures short walking distances, with clear signage in English and Arabic guiding passengers.
Security checks, including multiple screenings due to heightened protocols, take 15-30 minutes, with Fast Track lanes available for a fee. Arriving three hours early for international flights or two for domestic is advised, especially during peak tourist seasons from June to August. Passenger feedback notes occasional long queues and rigorous pat-downs, so patience is key.
Delays can occur due to high summer traffic, particularly when charter flights overlap, leading to congestion at check-in, security, or immigration. Weather conditions, such as strong winds or sandstorms, may disrupt schedules, and air traffic control issues in the region can add to delays. On-time performance is generally reliable for major carriers like EgyptAir, but checking flight status via the airport’s website or apps like Flightradar24 is recommended. Passenger reviews mention disorganisation during peak times, with gate changes or bus boarding delays, so staying updated is prudent.
Dining options are modest but cater to basic needs. Terminal 1’s food court includes Burger King, open from 09:00 to 22:00, and cafes like Bonheur and Il Maestro serving pizza, pasta, and Egyptian dishes from 08:00 to 23:00. Terminal 2 offers a smaller café for snacks and coffee. Retail includes duty-free shops in Terminal 1 with perfumes, jewellery, and souvenirs, though passengers report limited stock and cash-only payments at some counters. A bazaar-style shop in Terminal 2 sells local crafts, but options are fewer than in larger airports. Carrying local currency is advised, as card acceptance can be inconsistent.
Facilities support traveller comfort, with free Wi-Fi via the “Fraport-Free” network, though connectivity may be spotty. Currency exchange and ATMs are available in Terminal 1’s arrivals hall, but rates are less favourable than in the city. Accessibility services include wheelchairs and ramps, bookable 48 hours in advance. The Pearl Lounge in Terminal 1, open 24 hours, offers snacks, drinks, and high-speed Wi-Fi for $30-40, accessible to all passengers. Terminal 2’s lounge provides similar amenities. Family restrooms and a kids’ play area in Terminal 1 cater to young travellers, but toilet maintenance receives mixed reviews, with reports of limited toilet paper and cleanliness issues. Baggage storage and wrapping services are available landside, and a first-aid station operates in Terminal 1. The airport operates 24/7, with nearby hotels like Savoy Sharm El Sheikh, 7 kilometres away, offering shuttle services for layovers.
Connections are primarily point-to-point, with most transfers routed through Cairo or European hubs like Istanbul. Minimum connection times are 60 minutes for domestic and 90 minutes for international flights, with Terminal 1’s international transit zone simplifying airside transfers. Non-Schengen passengers may face immigration checks, requiring extra time. The close proximity of terminals eliminates the need for shuttles, but limited flight schedules necessitate careful planning.
