Borg El Arab Airport

Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is the main aerial gateway to the famous Alexandria and the entire northern coast of Egypt. Since 2010, it has taken on the primary burden of passenger service in the region, becoming a key transport hub for both tourists and local residents. The terminal building, designed in the original shape of a boat, symbolizes the city's maritime soul and offers travellers a modern level of comfort before their flight. The airport serves numerous international and domestic destinations, connecting historic Alexandria with the world.

Despite its relatively compact size, Borg El Arab Airport is well-organized and offers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. The three-storey terminal clearly separates passenger flows: the ground floor is dedicated to check-in and baggage drop-off, the second floor is for arrivals, and the third floor houses departure halls, passport control, and the VIP zone. Passengers have access to Duty Free shops, several cafes for a snack while waiting for flights, and travel agency offices. For convenient boarding, the terminal is equipped with four telescopic jet bridges.

• Official Website: Visit the airport page on the Egyptian Airports Company (EAC) portal for the most up-to-date information: www.eac-airports.com.
• Help Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at: +20 3 4591484 or +20 3 4631010.
• Address: Borg El Arab, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. The airport is located approximately 43 km southwest of the centre of Alexandria.
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the website or contact by phone, as a public email for general questions may not be available.
• Social Media: Check for official accounts on the airport's website. This is the best way to find verified social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, first contact your airline's Lost & Found service directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and answers to questions, you can contact the airport help desk at the phone numbers listed above.

Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is located at a significant distance from the centre of Alexandria — approximately 45 kilometres, so the trip requires advance planning. Depending on traffic conditions and the chosen transport, the journey may take from one to one and a half hours.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and common way to get to the airport is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. You can use official city taxis, but it is strongly recommended to agree on the fare before the trip begins. A more predictable option is to order a car via mobile apps (such as Uber or Careem), where the price is calculated automatically. A trip from the city centre will cost approximately 200-300 Egyptian pounds. For maximum peace of mind, you can book a private transfer at your hotel or through a travel agency.

Public Transport

There is no direct bus or train connection between the centre of Alexandria and Borg El Arab Airport. Local microbuses exist, but this option is extremely difficult for tourists: routes are not always obvious, and conditions are not designed for travellers with large luggage. This method is not recommended for travel to the airport.

Car Rental and Parking

If you are confident in your driving skills in the dense traffic of Egypt, renting a car can be a good solution. This will give you complete freedom of movement. Borg El Arab Airport has paid parking where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. This is convenient if you are travelling in your own or a rented vehicle.

Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is a modern and compact aviation hub serving both international and domestic flights. Orientation here is quite simple, as passengers use one main terminal, eliminating the need for complex transfers and long searches for the right zone.

The terminal structure is intuitive. It consists of two main levels:

• Upper Level is designed for the Departures zone. Check-in counters, passport control, and security checkpoints are located here.
• Lower Level is the Arrivals zone, housing passport control for arriving passengers, baggage claim belts, and the customs area.

All navigation in the airport is accompanied by signs in Arabic and English, making it easy to find the right gate, check-in counter, or exit to the city. Since all services are under one roof, there are no transfers between terminals — all operations take place within a single building.

After passing check-in and security control, passengers departing from Borg El Arab enter the general waiting area. There are Duty Free shops, several cafes, and souvenir stalls here. The selection may not be as large as in giant hubs, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait is present. In the arrival hall, after completing all formalities, you can find mobile operator offices to buy a SIM card, currency exchange points, and taxi booking counters.

Standard time should be allocated for passing all procedures (check-in, passport control, screening). For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5–2 hours. Queues are possible during peak seasons, so it is better to have extra time. In general, thanks to the terminal's compactness, navigation causes no difficulties even for those here for the first time.

The history of Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is unique and closely linked to the development of air travel in the Alexandria region. Initially, this facility was built as a military airbase and for a long time functioned exclusively in the interests of the armed forces of Egypt. Its transformation into a major civil hub occurred relatively recently but was of immense significance for the entire region.

A key moment in the airport's history was 2011. At that time, Alexandria's main international airport (El Nozha, ALY) was closed for massive reconstruction. All passenger and cargo traffic was urgently redirected to Borg El Arab, which until then had served only a limited number of flights. This event instantly turned it from a secondary airfield into the main aerial gateway of the city and the entire Nile Delta.

Fortunately, by that time, the airport was already prepared for new challenges. In 2010, shortly before the transfer of flights, a new modern passenger terminal was grandly opened here. This project was a crucial stage of modernization. The new building was designed taking into account environmental standards and calculated to serve over 1.2 million passengers per year, allowing it to cope with the sharply increased load and ensure comfortable conditions for travellers.

Since then, Borg El Arab Airport has firmly established itself as Alexandria's main aviation hub. It continues to serve both domestic and international flights, connecting northern Egypt with countries in the Middle East and Europe. An interesting fact: the name "Borg El Arab" translates as "Tower of the Arabs," adding colour to this important transport facility, which in a short time went from a military airfield to a sought-after international airport.

Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), serving Alexandria and its surroundings, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite before your flight, enjoy a cup of coffee, or try local cuisine dishes. For those planning to shop, the Duty-Free zone operates with a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, and tobacco products. There are also souvenir stalls where you can purchase memorable gifts from Egypt.

VIP lounges are provided for a more comfortable wait at the airport. Business class passengers and loyalty program members can use their services, which usually include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh press, and access to high-speed internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls, so you will always be connected.

It is easy to solve financial matters at Borg El Arab Airport. Travellers have access to bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points where money can be exchanged upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical point operates in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. Mother and child rooms are equipped for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: ramps, specially equipped toilets, and escorts upon request. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotels are located nearby, accessible by taxi or transfer.

Basic business services may be available for business travellers. While there may not be specialized conference centres at the airport, VIP lounges often provide a quiet space for work and holding small meetings.

At Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in capital airports, you certainly won't go hungry. The main food outlets are concentrated both in the public zone and in the departure zone after passing passport control.

In the public zone (landside), before check-in and screening, several cafes are located. This is a convenient place to drink coffee or have a snack if you arrived early or are seeing someone off. Sandwiches, pastries, and beverages are usually offered here. The main choice of establishments awaits passengers in the departure zone (airside), after completing all formalities. Cafes and small snack bars are located here, where you can spend time more comfortably while waiting for your flight.

The menu mainly consists of popular international dishes: sandwiches, burgers, pizza, salads, and various pastries. If you want to try something local, pay attention to traditional Egyptian coffee or tea, as well as oriental sweets. For a full lunch, you can find establishments with a more varied menu offering hot dishes. Coffee shops are ideal for a quick snack, where you can take food and drinks with you.

Regarding special dietary needs, practically all food in Egypt is Halal by default. Vegetarians will be able to find vegetable sandwiches, salads, or meat-free pastries. However, difficulties may arise with vegan and gluten-free options, so passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to carry a small supply of food. The price range at the airport is generally higher than the city average. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, ensuring service for passengers of both day and night flights.

To ensure your journey through the aerial gates of Alexandria goes as smoothly as possible, use these useful tips. Borg El Arab Airport serves both domestic and international flights, and knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves.

Arrival Time at the Airport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before an international flight departure and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. During peak tourist season and on holidays, it is better to allow extra time due to possible queues at check-in and security control.

Check-in and Security. Whenever possible, complete online check-in for your flight — this will save you time. Screening procedures at airports in Egypt can be quite thorough. Be prepared in advance to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage, and pack all liquids up to 100 ml in one transparent bag.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If the airline offers seat selection, consider your priorities. Window seats will allow you to enjoy views of the Mediterranean coast during takeoff or landing. Aisle seats are more convenient if you are tall or plan to get up frequently during the flight.

Hand Luggage. Standard international rules apply here: any sharp objects, weapons, and flammable liquids are prohibited. Check your airline's website for current weight and size limits for hand luggage to avoid unpleasant surprises and surcharges at the boarding gate.

Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight through Borg El Arab, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Ensure there is enough time between flights to complete all formalities, especially if you need to pass passport control.

Customs Control. Remember that it is strictly prohibited to export corals, seashells (even those found on the beach), and antiques from Egypt without a special permit. Keep receipts for souvenirs to prove, if necessary, that they do not represent historical value.

Saving Time and Money. Book a taxi or transfer to the airport in advance through trusted services to avoid inflated prices. Prices for food and drinks in the terminal are significantly higher than in the city, so it is better to have a snack before arriving at the airport. Carry some local currency (Egyptian pounds) for small expenses.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a long delay, contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the wait, you are entitled to drinks, meals, and in case of a multi-hour delay — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for forced expenses for possible subsequent compensation.