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Giza Sphinx

About the Airport

Giza Sphinx. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Welcome to Sphinx International Airport — a modern gateway to Egypt's ancient treasures. This airport was specifically created to ease congestion at Cairo's main airport and make the journey to the Giza Plateau as comfortable as possible. Located west of Cairo, it serves as the ideal starting point for tourists eager to see the Great Pyramids and the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum. Its opening has significantly reduced travel time to key attractions, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in history much faster.

IATA Code SPX
ICAO Code HESX
City Giza
Distance to Centre 32 km
Status International
Passengers per Year Up to 1.2 million
Popular Airlines Wizz Air, easyJet, Pegasus Airlines
Schedule Online Board "Giza Sphinx"

Sphinx Airport features a well-planned and modern infrastructure designed to ensure a high level of passenger comfort. The terminal, covering an area of 24,000 square metres, is equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant wait: from numerous check-in counters and waiting lounges to shops and a food court. The airport's capacity reaches 900 passengers per hour, minimizing queues and hustle. The airport's main advantage is its strategic location, offering direct and quick access to Egypt's main tourist sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, making it a key transport hub for visitors to the country.

Contact Information

Below is the essential contact information for Sphinx International Airport in Giza (SPX). We recommend verifying details on official resources before your trip, as they may change.

  • Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, regulations, and services can be found on the Sphinx Airport page, which is part of the official Cairo Airport website: cairo-airport.com.
  • Information Desk Phone: Finding a single, always-accessible airport phone number can be difficult. For immediate information, especially regarding flights, it is recommended to call your airline directly.
  • Airport Address: The airport is located at: Cairo - Alexandria Desert Rd, Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt. Its location is convenient for tourists heading to the Giza Pyramids.
  • Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is rarely published. It is best to use contact forms on the airport's official website or that of the management company.
  • Social Media: For news and updates, look for the official pages of airports in Egypt or Cairo Airport on social media, as they often publish information relevant to Sphinx Airport as well.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If you do not find your luggage upon arrival, immediately contact your airline's Lost and Found counter at the airport.
  • Passenger Support Service: Information desks are located within the terminal where you can get assistance. If you require special assistance (e.g., escort services), please contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Giza Sphinx Airport (SPX), located on the western outskirts of the Greater Cairo area. The best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and sense of adventure. The journey from the centre of Giza or Cairo typically takes from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing — the most popular, convenient, and recommended way to reach the airport. You can use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem, which operate throughout Egypt. This guarantees a fixed and transparent trip cost. You can also book a private transfer in advance through your hotel or a tour company. A taxi ride will cost a reasonable amount and save you from navigating public transport routes, which is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage.

Public Transport — the most budget-friendly but also the most challenging option for tourists. There are no direct metro or train lines to Sphinx Airport. The route usually involves several transfers: first a metro ride to one of the western stations, and then a transfer to a local bus or microbus. This method suits experienced travellers without bulky luggage who are ready to immerse themselves in local life. The cost will be minimal, but be prepared to spend significantly more time and effort.

Car Rental — a good choice for those planning to travel around the country independently. International and local rental agencies operate at the airport and in the city. Keep in mind that traffic in Cairo and Giza is very chaotic and requires confident driving skills. You will likely need an International Driving Permit to rent a car. Giza Sphinx Airport provides parking where you can leave your car while waiting for a flight or for a longer period.

It is worth noting that besides Sphinx Airport, there are other air hubs in the region. The largest transport hub is Cairo International Airport (CAI), located approximately 49 km away. Further afield are Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) near Alexandria and Asyut Airport (ATZ).

Terminals and Map

Sphinx Airport in Giza (SPX) is a modern and compact aviation hub designed for passenger convenience. Currently, it operates with one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, its structure is intuitive, greatly simplifying navigation for travellers arriving in Egypt through these gates for the first time.

All airport infrastructure is concentrated in one building. You won't have to worry about transfers between terminals — all zones are within walking distance. The terminal layout is logical: departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The Departures Zone includes check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, and boarding gates. The Arrivals Zone consists of passport control counters, baggage reclaim belts, and customs inspection. Signs in Arabic and English will help you orient yourself easily.

Due to the modern design and relatively low passenger traffic compared to major international hubs, completing all pre-flight formalities at Sphinx Airport usually takes less time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without rushing.

The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs. The compact size of the terminal makes it extremely simple to navigate. All key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are located logically and sequentially, minimizing the risk of getting lost and making your journey more comfortable from the very beginning.

Airport History

International Airport Giza Sphinx (SPX) is one of the youngest and strategically most important aviation hubs in Egypt. Its history began quite recently: the airport was officially opened for trial flights in January 2019. The primary goal of its creation was to relieve the overcrowded Cairo International Airport and provide direct and quick access for tourists to the main attractions of the Giza Plateau, including the Great Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Initially, the airport functioned primarily for domestic flights and private aviation. However, its potential was obvious, and a large-scale development phase soon began. A key modernization was the construction of a new terminal and the expansion of existing infrastructure, which allowed capacity to increase from 300 to over 1,200 passengers per hour. This reconstruction transformed Sphinx into a fully-fledged international airport ready to receive flights from all over the world.

A significant event in the airport's recent history was the launch of international flights in late 2022 and early 2023, including flights by European budget airlines. This made the journey to the pyramids even more accessible for tourists. An interesting fact: the airport is located on the site of a former military airbase, which allowed the use of an existing runway. Today, its main achievement is reducing transfer time to hotels and Giza attractions from several hours to less than one hour, which radically changes the tourist experience.

Services and Amenities

Giza Sphinx International Airport (SPX) is a modern and convenient transport hub offering passengers a full range of services for a comfortable journey. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is designed to make waiting for a flight as pleasant as possible.

In the passenger terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee or a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a Duty Free zone with an assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, and traditional Egyptian souvenirs. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or something to remember your trip to Egypt.

For passengers preferring privacy and quiet, premium waiting lounges and VIP lounges are available. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, and special stations are available for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be settled at currency exchange points and ATMs located in the public area.

The airport is fully equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and specially adapted restrooms. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms. In case of unforeseen situations, a medical point operates around the clock in the terminal.

Although there are no hotels within the airport itself, many accommodation options can be found in the immediate vicinity, in the area of the famous pyramids of Giza. For business travellers, the airport offers basic services, however, for meetings and conferences, it is better to use the facilities of nearby business hotels.

Dining

Giza Sphinx International Airport (SPX) is a modern but relatively small aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is more modest than in major hubs. Nevertheless, passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal while waiting for their flight.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the Departures Zone, after passing passport control and security screening (airside). Here you will find food court-style establishments offering both international cuisine (sandwiches, burgers, pizza) and elements of local gastronomy. In the public area before check-in (landside), a small cafe usually operates where you can have coffee and a light snack.

For a quick bite, coffee shops serving fresh pastries, sandwiches, and drinks are perfect. If you have time for a full lunch, look for restaurants offering hot meals. Although the selection is small, you can find something to your liking. Be sure to try traditional Egyptian coffee or refreshing karkade tea — this is a wonderful opportunity to experience local flavours before departing from Egypt.

Regarding special dietary needs, most dishes at the airport are Halal. Vegetarians will be able to find salads, hummus, falafel, and vegetable sandwiches. Specialized vegan or gluten-free menus are rare, so it is better to check the ingredients with staff in advance. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last one. Prices, as in most airports around the world, are noticeably higher than in the city.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Sphinx International Airport in Giza goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. The airport is located near the famous pyramids, making it a convenient gateway for exploring the wonders of Egypt.

Arrival and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to go through all procedures without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. However, be prepared that even with an electronic boarding pass, you may need to go to the counter for document verification.

Security and Hand Luggage: Security procedures here are standard. Prepare all liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag), as well as laptops and other large electronics for separate scanning. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as knives, scissors, and other sharp objects. Always check the rules of your specific airline.

Seat Selection and Transfers: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up and stretch your legs freely. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Leave enough time between flights, especially if you have to go through security and passport control again.

Customs Control: When entering or leaving Egypt, be prepared to declare large amounts of currency and valuable items. Especially strict rules apply to the export of antiquities and antiques. Purchasing and exporting such artefacts without special permission is illegal. Keep receipts for all souvenirs to confirm their legal origin if necessary.

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations: To save on transfers, consider booking a taxi through official apps (such as Uber or Careem); this is often more economical than negotiating with drivers on the spot. In case of flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative for information on further actions, possible compensation, or the provision of food and accommodation.

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