Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Cairo, EG 🇪🇬 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

HECA

IATA

CAI

Elevation

322 ft

Region

EG-C

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: HECA

Local Code: Not available

Location: 30.111534° N, 31.396694° E

Continent: AF

Type: Large International Airport

External Links

Public Transportation
Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Cairo International Airport (CAI) elicits a wide range of traveler sentiment, often characterized by a stark contrast between those who find it manageable and those who report significant frustrations. While some recent experiences point to improvements in certain areas, many common complaints persist, leading to a generally mixed satisfaction level.

What Travelers Love
  • Stress-free and Enjoyable Experience (for some): A number of travelers report pleasant experiences, particularly in Terminal 2, citing quick and courteous check-in processes.
  • Improved Signage and Organization: Some recent reviews highlight marked improvements in signage and overall organization within terminals, making navigation easier.
  • Well-Maintained Washrooms and Decent Food Outlets: Several positive reviews mention clean washrooms and a selection of decent food options available.
  • Duty-Free Shopping: Passengers appreciate the availability of good and reasonably priced items in the duty-free shops.
  • Meet and Assist Services: For a smoother experience, travelers highly recommend booking "Meet and Assist" services, which help navigate immigration, customs, and baggage collection.
  • Availability of Seating and Charging Points: Travelers have noted the presence of ample seating and convenient charging points, particularly in Terminal 3.
Common Complaints
  • Long and Multiple Security Queues: This is a recurring major complaint, with travelers frequently encountering extended wait times and multiple security screenings at various stages, including initial terminal entry, check-in, and before departure gates.
  • Rude, Unhelpful, and Distracted Staff: Many reviews consistently describe airport staff as unfriendly, unhelpful, and often distracted, contributing to a negative overall experience.
  • Requests for Tips/Bribery: Numerous travelers report instances of staff overtly requesting tips, sometimes for basic services, and alleged attempts at bribery to expedite processes.
  • Disorganized Immigration and Customs: Passengers often face lengthy and disorganized queues for visa acquisition and passport control, contributing to delays upon arrival and departure. New mandatory visa pre-clearance and digital health declarations for 2025 are additional procedures that could cause delays for unprepared travelers.
  • Archaic Facilities and Poor Cleanliness (in parts): While some areas are well-maintained, other parts of the airport are criticized for being outdated and having suboptimal cleanliness, including reports of a pervasive smoke smell and poorly maintained bathrooms.
  • Poor WiFi Connectivity: Foreign travelers frequently report difficulties connecting to the free airport Wi-Fi without possessing a local SIM card.
  • Taxi/Transportation Issues: Travelers arriving often encounter "taxi trolls" or unauthorized drivers, and navigating Cairo's chaotic traffic to and from the airport can be challenging.

Cairo International Airport presents a challenging yet evolving travel hub. While some operational improvements are noted, particularly in newer terminals and services like Meet & Assist, persistent issues with security efficiency, staff professionalism, and facility consistency significantly impact traveler satisfaction. Visitors are strongly advised to allocate extra time for airport procedures and consider pre-booking reliable transportation or assistance services for a smoother journey.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Cairo International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Egypt Air
MSR / MS
88 1499 88 Dec 11, 2025
Air Cairo
MSC / SM
22 444 22 Dec 11, 2025
Flynas
KNE / XY
5 248 5 Dec 11, 2025
Nile Air
NIA / NP
25 215 25 Dec 10, 2025
Saudia
SVA / SV
3 181 3 Dec 8, 2025
12 87 12 Dec 11, 2025
flyadeal
FAD / F3
5 68 5 Dec 9, 2025
12 57 12 Dec 9, 2025
2 45 2 Nov 21, 2025
Emirates
UAE / EK
2 44 2 Dec 10, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
05C/23C 13120 ft 197 ft Asphalt Active Lighted
05L/23R 10830 ft 197 ft Asphalt Active Lighted
05R/23L 13124 ft 197 ft Asphalt Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 119.05 MHz
ATIS ATIS 122.6 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
MISC VOLMET 126.2 MHz
PFLT PREFLIGHT 120.1 MHz
rdo cairo radio 11.3 MHz
TWR TWR 118.1 MHz
Volmet - 124.6 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
ALI Cairo NDB 310 kHz
CAI Cairo VOR-DME 112500 kHz
CVO Cairo VOR-DME 115200 kHz
MKT Cairo NDB 317 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside all terminal arrival halls. Official white airport taxis use meters, which is recommended. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also very popular, offering fixed pricing through their apps and designated pickup zones at the airport.

Rental Cars

Several international car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget, have desks in the arrivals halls of the terminals. It is advisable to book in advance. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Be aware that driving in Cairo is challenging due to heavy traffic and aggressive driving styles.

Public Transportation

The Cairo Metro provides a direct link via Line 3, with a station connected to Terminal 3. This is often the fastest way to avoid city traffic. Additionally, Airport Shuttle Buses operate on fixed routes to major areas like Downtown and Giza. Public CTA (Cairo Transport Authority) buses are the cheapest option but can be crowded and difficult for tourists to navigate; they depart from the bus station outside Terminal 1.

Nearby Airports

Sphinx International Airport
SPX • HESX
Al Jiza, EG
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~48 km away
Almaza Air Force Base
HEAZ
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~4 km away
Bilbeis Air Base
HE37
Bilbeis, EG
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~37 km away
Capital International Airport
CCE • HECP
New Cairo, EG
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~43 km away
Bilbeis 2 Airfield
EG-0003
Bilbeis, EG
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~44 km away
Cairo West Air Base
HECW
Cairo, EG
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~46 km away
Sphinx International Airport
SPX • HESX
Al Jiza, EG
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~48 km away
Quesna Airport
HE42
Quesna, EG
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~58 km away
Abu Suwayr Air Base
HE35
Abu Suwayr, EG
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~84 km away
Inshas Air Base
HE12
Inshas, EG
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~25 km away
Helwan Air Base
HE15
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~33 km away
Sahra' Muhafadhat al-Jeezah Airfield
EG-0058
6th of October, EG
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~46 km away
Sheikh Zayed City Military Airstrip
EG-0060
Sheikh Zayed City, EG
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~50 km away
El Sheikh Gebeil Airport
EG-0002
Abu Hammad, EG
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~59 km away
October Airport
HEOC
6th of October, EG
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~64 km away
Kawm Ushim Airport
HE30
Tamiya, EG
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~79 km away
Fayed Air Base
EG-0006
Abo Swir Desert, EG
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~87 km away
Abdeen Palace Helipad
EG-0075
Abdeen, EG
Heliport
~16 km away
Saudi Arabian Embassy Helipad
EG-0020
Giza, EG
Heliport
~19 km away
Maadi Military Hospital Heliport
EG-0013
Maadi, EG
Heliport
~21 km away
Helwan University Heliport
EG-0074
Helwan, EG
Heliport
~28 km away
Octagon Heliport
EG-0076
Cairo Desert, EG
Heliport
~33 km away
West Cairo Military Hospital Heliport
EG-0073
Badrshein, EG
Heliport
~40 km away
Joint Air Defense Training Center Heliport
EG-0062
Al Giza Desert, EG
Heliport
~42 km away
Dar al Fouad Hospital Heliport
EG-0065
6th of October, EG
Heliport
~43 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.