Cairo International Airport is a major international airport serving the Egyptian city of Cairo. CAI airport opened in 1963 and is the busiest airport in both Egypt and across the entire African continent serving, on average, over 20 million travellers each year. The airport serves as a regional hub for flights around the Middle East and North Africa.

The airport features three runways that service the airports three terminals. Terminals 1 and 2 are shared by a number of airlines which offer flights to both domestic and international destinations. Terminal 3, the newest of the three, is predominately used by national carrier Egypt Air and its Star Alliance partners.

The airport serves as a hub for Egypt Air, Nile Air, Air Cairo and Air Arabia Egypt. CAI is also served by another 57 airlines which offer flights to cities across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia as well as select seasonal charter flights to South America.

The airport features a fairly typical modern design similar to those found at most airports around the world built in the last 25 years: lots of glass and lots of polished metal. It’s a shame the country’s rich history and iconic culture wasn’t integrated into airport’s design. When arriving, expect a cumbersome customs process, painfully slow luggage retrieval and rude airport staff. When departing, arrive earlier than normal as your luggage and identity will be checked multiple times by the time you eventually reach your gate.

We strongly advise organising your own transport with your hotel well ahead of your arrival, ask for the driver’s name, whether you’re paying the driver, or at the hotel, and agree on a meeting place before you arrive. Expect to be accosted by multiple taxi drivers as soon as you step out of arrivals. These drivers are some of the most persistent we have ever come across and won’t accept a no in whatever language you speak. Once you meet your driver ask for their name and where they are taking you before being led to their vehicle.