Egypt's main airport and one of the largest in Africa, Cairo International Airport lies in Heliopolis, about 17 km north-east of the city centre. Its three runways, two of them 4,000 m long, handle every aircraft, from business jets to airliners. Private flight passengers are welcomed separately, escorted through customs and immigration, then taken to their car. Allow 30 to 45 minutes to the centre or Zamalek, and about an hour to the Giza pyramids.
Every private flight to Egypt must obtain a landing permit before departure. We request it as soon as your flight is confirmed, with the passenger list and the aircraft details: please send us the passports a few days in advance.
British travellers need a visa, obtained online before departure (e-visa) or on arrival, with a passport valid for at least six months. On arrival, a handling agent escorts you through the formalities, away from the queues of commercial flights.
West of the city, Sphinx International Airport (SPX) is about 25 km from the Grand Egyptian Museum and the pyramids. Depending on the aircraft, the date and the permits, it can be a useful alternative for a stay focused on Giza: we check this option for your flight.
