| IATA Code | ASW |
| ICAO Code | HESN |
| City | Aswan |
| Distance to center | About 20 km |
| Status | International |
| Passengers per year | About 860,000 |
| Schedule | Online flight board |
Aswan Airport
About the Airport
Contact Information
You can contact representatives of Aswan International Airport (ASW) in several ways. Below are the main contact details for passengers planning a trip to Egypt.
- Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the portal of the managing company — Egyptian Airports Company (EAC) at eac-airports.com.
- Inquiry Service Phone: For operational information and consultations, you can call: +20 97 348 1130.
- Address: Aswan International Airport, Aswan, Egypt.
- Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the management company's website or contact them by phone.
- Social Media: The airport does not have separate verified pages on social networks. It is best to verify all information on the official website.
- Lost & Found: If you have lost your luggage, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport.
- Passenger Support Service: For general questions and assistance within the airport, please approach the information desk or call the inquiry service.
How to Get to the Airport
Aswan International Airport (ASW) is located approximately 16 kilometers southwest of the city center. The most popular and convenient way to get there is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. A car journey usually takes from 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can hail a taxi on the street, but be prepared to haggle — it is important to agree on the price before the trip starts. The estimated cost is 150–250 Egyptian pounds. A more predictable option is to book a transfer through a hotel or an online service, which guarantees a fixed price and comfort.
Public transport options to the airport are limited and not always convenient for tourists. There is no direct bus or train service. The most budget-friendly method involves local microbuses, which are used mainly by residents. They do not have a strict schedule or fixed stops, and the ride can be uncomfortable due to overcrowding. This option is suitable primarily for experienced and budget-conscious travelers ready for an adventure.
For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is available. Both local and international rental companies operate in Aswan. However, it is worth noting that the driving style in Egypt can be chaotic and unfamiliar to foreign drivers. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, there is a parking lot on the airport grounds where you can leave the car for both short and long periods.
To summarize, for most travelers, the optimal choice will be a taxi or private transfer. These methods offer the best balance between cost, speed, and convenience. The main advice when using a taxi is to always agree on the trip cost in advance. If you want to avoid bargaining and unnecessary hassle, book a transfer beforehand. Many hotels in Aswan will gladly help organize a pickup or drop-off for you.
Terminals and Map
Aswan International Airport (ASW) consists of one modern terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Due to its compactness and thoughtful layout, navigating it is intuitive and does not cause difficulties for travelers. All zones — from check-in to baggage claim — are located within a single building, so transfers between terminals are not required.
The airport layout is extremely simple. The Departure Zone is located on the upper level. Here you will find airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control. After completing all formalities, passengers enter the general waiting hall with several boarding gates. In this area, there are small Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, and a few cafes where you can have a snack while waiting for your flight.
The Arrival Zone is located on the lower level of the terminal. Immediately after disembarking from the plane, passengers proceed to passport control, then to the baggage claim hall. After customs inspection, you enter the general arrival hall, where hotel representatives and tour companies may meet you, and where taxi and car rental desks are located. The entire procedure from landing to exiting the terminal usually takes no more than 30-40 minutes in the absence of queues.
For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure for check-in and security screening, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours prior. Although the airport is small, queues can form during the peak tourist season (especially in winter). Signs in the terminal are in Arabic and English, which significantly simplifies navigation for foreign tourists.
Airport History
The history of Aswan International Airport (ASW) is inextricably linked with one of the most ambitious engineering projects of the 20th century — the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The airport was founded in 1956 and initially served primarily for transport and logistical needs, supporting this grand project. With its appearance, the delivery of specialists, equipment, and materials to this southern region of Egypt became significantly easier and faster.
The airport's true flourishing began in the 1960s when it became a key hub for the unique international UNESCO campaign to save the monuments of Nubia. The most famous episode was the relocation of the Abu Simbel temples, which were threatened with flooding by the waters of the newly formed Lake Nasser. Aswan Airport received engineers, archaeologists, and journalists from all over the world, becoming the air gateway for this incredible historical event. This attracted immense attention to the region and marked the beginning of mass tourism development.
As the popularity of Nile cruises and interest in ancient monuments grew, the old airport infrastructure ceased to cope with the flow of travelers. Consequently, a decision was made for its radical modernization. A key stage was the opening of a new passenger terminal in 2002, which was designed taking into account modern requirements for comfort and safety. The new building allowed for a significant increase in capacity and passenger service quality.
Today, Aswan Airport represents a modern and convenient air gateway in the south of Egypt. It plays a crucial role in the tourism industry, receiving both scheduled and charter flights. For many travelers, it is here that the acquaintance with the treasures of ancient Nubia, the majestic dam, and the calm waters of Lake Nasser begins. An interesting fact: the airport remains the main starting point for short flights to the temples of Abu Simbel, allowing tourists to see this wonder of the world even within a one-day excursion.
Services and Amenities
Aswan International Airport (ASW) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and small restaurants where you can have a snack or drink coffee. For those wishing to shop, there are stores, including Duty Free for international flights, as well as souvenir stalls offering local handicrafts, spices, and traditional Egyptian goods.
For the convenience of travelers, comfortable waiting lounges are provided in the airport. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the VIP Lounge services, which offer a more tranquil environment. To stay connected, you can connect to the Wi-Fi network, and special stations and outlets are installed in the terminal for charging gadgets.
Aswan Airport features bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, which is especially convenient for tourists arriving from abroad. In case of need, there is a medical center in the terminal ready to provide first aid. For families with young children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet setting.
The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can pre-order an escort service and request a wheelchair. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options are located in the city of Aswan itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Business services, such as conference rooms, are limited at the airport, as it is primarily focused on serving tourist flows.
Where to Eat
Aswan Airport (ASW) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find several options for a snack before departure. It is recommended to eat in the city if you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, but facilities for light snacks and drinks are available at the airport.
The offerings mainly consist of small cafes and kiosks located primarily in the departure hall, both before and after passport control. In them, you can purchase a standard selection: coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, as well as packaged sandwiches, pastries, chips, and chocolate. This is a convenient option to quickly refresh yourself while waiting for a flight.
There are no full-service restaurants with hot meals and waiter service at Aswan Airport. Opportunities to try authentic Egyptian cuisine are also extremely limited — the assortment is mainly focused on universal snacks. If you want to enjoy local delicacies, it is better to do so at one of the restaurants in Aswan itself.
Regarding special dietary needs:
- Halal: Most products in Egypt are Halal by default.
- Vegetarians will be able to find simple options, such as cheese or vegetable sandwiches and pastries.
- Passengers adhering to a vegan or gluten-free diet will find it difficult to find suitable food. In this case, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.
Prices for food and drinks at the airport are noticeably higher than in the city, which is standard practice for most airports worldwide. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule — they are open during periods of main activity but may be closed late at night or early in the morning if there are no departures. For a full meal, plan ahead, but for a quick snack, the local cafes are quite suitable.
Travel Tips
Traveling through Aswan International Airport (ASW) is a gateway to the treasury of southern Egypt. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use our tips. The airport is not very large, but it is better to be prepared in advance for some specific features.
Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. Despite the compact size of the terminal, security procedures can take time. Check if online check-in is available with your airline; this will help save time in queues. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy — they may be checked several times.
Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If possible, choose a window seat. During takeoff and landing, stunning views of the desert, the Nile, and Lake Nasser open up. As everywhere, it is forbidden to carry liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Important point: do not pack corals, shells, and items that may be considered antiques in your hand luggage without appropriate documents — Egypt is strict about this.
Customs Control and Transfers. Upon arrival, if you have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you have expensive equipment or large amounts of cash, it is better to clarify the rules for declaring them. For passengers with a transfer in Aswan, it is important to find out in advance whether you need to collect your luggage or if it will be transferred automatically. Check the boarding gate number on the information screens, as announcements may not always be clearly audible.
Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book a transfer to the city in advance online or arrange it with your hotel. Taxi prices directly at the airport can be inflated. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact your airline representative for information, food vouchers, or water if provided by the rules. Information desks and screens are your main sources of up-to-date data.
Reached the end of the page?
That means the route is fully explored