Assiut Airport

Assiut International Airport is not merely a transit point, but the main aerial gateway to Middle Egypt, connecting the ancient Nile Valley with the outside world. Situated amidst desert landscapes, this airport serves as a vital bridge for travellers heading to the region's historical monuments and for those flying to the Gulf countries. Following a massive reconstruction, it has transformed into a modern and convenient hub where traditional hospitality combines with functionality, allowing passengers to avoid the hustle and bustle of congested capital hubs.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Assiut Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Because the passenger terminal is relatively small, all procedures—from check-in to boarding—are completed significantly faster than in the large airports of Cairo or Hurghada. This is particularly appreciated by those who prefer a calm start to their journey without long queues.

The airport has undergone serious modernisation, resulting in a renovated passenger terminal now capable of serving over a million people per year. The building is equipped with modern air conditioning systems, which is critically important in the region's hot climate, and offers a basic range of services, including duty-free shops and comfortable waiting areas.

Its strategic location makes it an ideal entry point for exploring Upper Egypt. From here, it is convenient not only to reach the city of Assiut itself but also to plan trips to lesser-known yet impressive temples and monuments along the Nile, avoiding standard tourist routes.

Below is the essential contact information for Assiut International Airport (ATZ), which may be useful for travellers.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate website. Up-to-date information on flights and services can be found on airline websites or the Egyptian Airports Company (EAC) portal.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport by phone for operational information. It is recommended to verify the validity of the number before calling, as it may change.
• Address: Asyut International Airport, Assiut, Egypt. The airport is located to the west of the city.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general passenger enquiries is not published. It is best to use the telephone or visit the information desk in the terminal for communication.
• Social Media: Assiut Airport does not maintain its own official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's representative directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: Assistance to passengers is provided at information desks within the airport building, as well as via the helpline phone.

Assiut Airport (ATZ) is located approximately 31 kilometres from the centre of Assiut, making the journey there quick and straightforward. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences, you can choose from several available transport options for travelling around Egypt.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most convenient and common way to get to the airport. You can hail a taxi on the street or order a car through apps popular in Egypt, such as Uber or Careem. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 30-45 minutes. It is highly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance or ensure the taximeter is switched on to avoid misunderstandings. For maximum comfort, you can book a private transfer in advance: the driver will meet you at the designated location and assist with luggage.

Public Transport in the form of microbuses (shared taxis) is the most budget-friendly option. However, it is more suitable for experienced travellers who speak Arabic or are ready for an adventure. Microbuses do not have a fixed schedule and can be overcrowded. Direct routes to the terminal itself may be unavailable, and you might need to change vehicles. There are no direct bus, rail, or metro connections to Assiut Airport.

Car Rental offers flexibility and freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the surroundings of Assiut. Several car rental companies offer their services in the city. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season. Please note that an international driving permit may be required to drive in Egypt, and the driving style on local roads can be quite chaotic and unfamiliar to foreigners.

For those travelling to the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided on the grounds of Assiut Airport. There are zones for both short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are flying away for a few days.

Assiut Airport (ATZ), serving the city of Assiut and its surroundings, is a relatively small regional airport. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making it convenient for passengers unaccustomed to huge transport hubs.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not need to worry about long transfers between different buildings. All infrastructure—from check-in counters to waiting areas—is concentrated under one roof, which significantly simplifies navigation.

The terminal layout is logical: arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. Upon arrival, you will proceed to passport control and then to the baggage claim hall. For departing passengers, the route is also standard: entrance to the terminal, flight check-in, passing through security and passport control, after which you enter the departure lounge. Signs in the airport are duplicated in Arabic and English, helping you orient yourself easily.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for walkways or shuttles. Departure and arrival zones are located in different parts of the same building, and moving between them on foot does not take much time. Basic amenities, such as small cafes and shops, are located in the public zone and in the departure zone after passing control.

Completing all formalities at Assiut Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 2.5–3 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be more than sufficient for a calm check-in and security screening, even in the event of unforeseen delays.

The history of Assiut Airport (ATZ) reflects the dynamic development of Upper Egypt. Founded in the mid-20th century as a military airfield, it fulfilled exclusively strategic functions for a long time. A turning point in its history was the decision to open it to civil aviation to meet the growing need for transport accessibility for one of the key cities on the Nile. Regular commercial flights connecting the region with Cairo and other major centres began to develop actively from the 1990s.

The most significant stage in the airport's development was a large-scale modernisation, culminating in the opening of a new passenger terminal in 2011. This project was part of a national programme to improve the country's aviation infrastructure. The new terminal, built to modern standards, allowed for a manifold increase in capacity, reaching over a million passengers per year, and radically improved the quality of service.

It was after this reconstruction that Assiut Airport reached an international level. Shortly after the opening of the new terminal, the first regular international flights were launched. Key destinations became the Gulf countries, such as Kuwait and the UAE, serviced by airlines like Jazeera Airways and Air Arabia. This event transformed the airport from a predominantly domestic hub into an important international gateway for residents of the entire region.

An interesting fact from the airport's history is its dual purpose. Although civil aviation is the absolute priority today, it partially retains military functions. Today, Assiut Airport is not just a transport hub, but a modern and strategically important facility playing a key role in the economic and social life of Upper Egypt, as well as serving as a starting point for travellers exploring the rich history of the Nile Valley.

Assiut Airport (ATZ), serving the eponymous city in Egypt, provides passengers with a set of basic services and amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, so the choice of services may be more modest compared to large international hubs.

In the airport terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or enjoy soft drinks. There are also small shops offering travel goods, press, and souvenirs. The selection here is limited, but all essentials are usually available. The duty-free zone typically offers a standard range of perfumes, confectionery, and alcoholic beverages.

For a more comfortable wait, a VIP lounge may be available at the airport, offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and beverages. Passengers are usually provided with access to Wi-Fi, although the service may be paid or time-limited. ATMs are installed in the terminal building, and there is a currency exchange point for basic financial transactions.

A medical unit operates on the airport premises to provide first aid. For passengers with children, there is a mother and child room where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment. The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps and special washrooms are available. If necessary, assistance services can be booked in advance.

There are typically no specialised business centres or conference halls directly within the airport building. The nearest hotels with appropriate infrastructure are located in the city of Assiut, which can be reached by taxi or transfer.

When planning a departure from Assiut Airport (ATZ), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Unlike large international hubs, you will not find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes here. Nevertheless, basic opportunities for a snack before a flight are usually available.

Typically, several small cafes or kiosks operate within the terminal building. One establishment is usually located in the public area before security control (landside), and another, smaller one, is in the departure zone after passport control (airside). Here you can buy drinks such as coffee, tea, bottled water, and fizzy drinks, as well as light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and chocolate. It is unlikely you will find a full hot lunch or dinner, so the airport is more suitable for a quick snack.

The range of food usually includes basic options without a focus on local cuisine, although sometimes you can find traditional Egyptian sweets or pastries. Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes will be difficult. Most meat products in Egypt are Halal by default, but one should not expect specialised menus. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

Prices in Assiut Airport cafes, as in most airports around the world, will be noticeably higher than in city establishments. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule—establishments open a few hours before departure and close after the last plane departs. Therefore, if you have a late or night flight, it is better to check in advance if they will be open. The main advice for travellers is to eat a substantial meal in the city before travelling to the airport or bring a snack with you to avoid depending on the limited selection on-site.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Assiut goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start or end of your trip to Egypt more comfortable.

Airport Arrival Time. Although Assiut Airport is not among the largest, it is recommended to arrive early. For international flights, allow 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones, at least 1.5–2 hours. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. At the airport, be ready to present your passport and boarding pass. During screening, you must remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, as well as liquids packed in a transparent bag.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Standard rules for hand luggage apply here: liquids in containers up to 100 ml (total volume up to 1 litre), and no sharp objects. Power banks and lithium batteries must be carried in hand luggage only. When choosing a seat on the plane, remember: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours.

Transfer Passengers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage in Assiut or if it will be automatically forwarded to the final destination. Upon entering the country, you will have to pass through passport and customs control. Be prepared to declare valuable items or large amounts of cash if necessary.

Saving Time and Money. A pre-booked transfer or taxi may turn out to be cheaper than finding a car on the spot. To avoid paying for excess weight, weigh your luggage at home. Remember that you cannot take water and other drinks through security control, but you can always buy them in shops in the departure zone.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Monitor updates on the departure boards. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation.