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Luxor International Airport

About the Airport

Luxor International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Luxor International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of Ancient Egyptian history. Upon landing here, you find yourself just a few kilometres from the majestic Karnak Temple and the legendary Valley of the Kings, as if stepping across the threshold of time the moment you leave the aircraft. The airport combines Eastern hospitality with modern infrastructure, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey towards the treasures of the Pharaohs without the unnecessary bustle of capital city hubs.
IATA Code LXR
ICAO Code HELX
City Luxor
Distance to Centre 6–9 km
Status International
Passengers per Year ~1.2 million
Schedule Available on online board
### Airport Features and Advantages Luxor Airport underwent a large-scale modernization in 2005, allowing it to meet international standards while preserving a cosy atmosphere. Despite its capacity to handle up to 8 million passengers annually, it is rarely overcrowded, guaranteeing a swift passage through all formalities. * **Convenient Location:** The airport is located on the East Bank of the Nile, just a 15–20 minute drive from the city centre and cruise ship docks. This allows tourists to reach their hotels or attractions almost immediately after arrival. * **Infrastructure:** All necessary services are available within the terminal: currency exchange offices, ATMs, souvenir shops featuring local handicrafts, and a Duty Free zone. A business lounge is available for passengers who value comfort. * **Transport Accessibility:** Although public transport does not enter the terminal directly, a taxi rank is located right at the exit. It is recommended to agree on the price in advance or use official transfer services.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Luxor International Airport (LXR). We recommend checking the accuracy of the data on official resources before your flight.

  • Official Website: Typically, the airport is managed by the Egyptian Airports Company (EAC). Current information can be found on their portal: www.eac-airports.com
  • Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions, you can contact the number: +20 95 238 4655
  • Address: Luxor Airport Rd, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
  • Email: To contact the management company, you can use the e-mail: info@eac-airports.com
  • Social Media: There are currently no official, actively maintained social media pages for the airport.
  • Lost & Found: Primarily, for issues regarding lost luggage, you should contact your airline's representative. If the airline is unable to assist, you may try contacting the airport's general inquiry service.
  • Passenger Support: for assistance or consultation within the airport territory, please approach the information desks or call the inquiry service.

Getting to the Airport

Getting to Luxor International Airport (LXR) from the city is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres east of the centre of Luxor. Travellers have access to several transport options, varying in cost and comfort level.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. The journey from most hotels on the East Bank of the Nile will take approximately 15-25 minutes. You can book a transfer in advance through your hotel or tour company, which guarantees a fixed price. Alternatively, you can hail a taxi on the street. In this case, it is critically important to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the journey, as taximeters are rarely used. This is a reliable and relatively inexpensive option, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

Public Transport in the form of local microbuses is the most budget-friendly option. However, it can be challenging for tourists unfamiliar with local routes and who do not speak Arabic. Microbuses do not have a fixed schedule and can be crowded. Furthermore, they generally do not enter the airport territory itself but drop passengers off on the main road nearby. This method is more suitable for experienced and budget-conscious travellers without bulky luggage.

Car Rental — a good choice for those planning independent trips around Egypt and desiring complete freedom of movement. Many international and local car rental companies have offices both in the city and at the airport. There is paid parking on the airport grounds where you can leave a car for a short or long term. Please note that the driving style in the region may be unfamiliar to foreign drivers.

Terminals and Map

Luxor International Airport (LXR) has a structure that is simple and easy for passengers to understand. Effectively, it is one modern terminal building, which is functionally divided into two main zones: for servicing international and domestic flights. Thanks to its compact size and logical layout, navigating the airport causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport layout is quite standard and intuitive. The terminal is divided into two main levels:

  • Upper Level — this is the departure zone. Here you will find check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control for international destinations, as well as the main departure lounge with Duty Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates.
  • Lower Level — the arrival zone. Passengers arrive here after disembarking from the aircraft. This floor houses passport control counters, baggage claim belts, and the customs area.

Since the international and domestic sectors are located in the same building, no special transport is required to transfer between them. They are connected by internal walkways, and moving between them takes just a few minutes on foot. All signs in the airport are duplicated in English, which significantly simplifies orientation for foreign tourists travelling through Egypt.

Registration and screening procedures usually proceed quite quickly, but queues are possible during the peak tourist season (from October to April). 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. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, enjoy a coffee, and visit the shops.

Airport History

The history of Luxor International Airport (LXR) is inextricably linked with the transformation of Luxor into one of the world's major tourism centres. Initially, in the mid-20th century, a military airfield was located on this site, serving the needs of the Egyptian Air Force. As the popularity of the archaeological treasures of the Theban Necropolis grew, a need arose to create a convenient way to transport tourists to the ancient temples and tombs.

A key stage in the airport's development was its conversion into a dual-purpose facility — military and civil. In the 1980s, the active development of civil infrastructure began to accommodate international charter flights. This was a time when tourism in Egypt was experiencing a real boom, and the old airfield could no longer cope with the flow of travellers wishing to see the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.

The most significant modernization took place at the turn of the millennium. To meet modern standards and increase capacity, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, completed in 2005. As part of this project, a new passenger terminal was built, capable of serving up to 8 million passengers per year. A new runway was designed to accommodate large long-haul aircraft, which opened up direct air connections with many cities in Europe and Asia.

An interesting fact: Luxor Airport became one of the first in the region to be specifically modernized taking into account the immense tourist flow focused on historical heritage. It is not just a transport hub, but an important part of the tourist route, designed so that the first and last impressions of a visit to the Pharaohs' treasures are as comfortable as possible. Today, the airport continues to play a vital role, connecting ancient history with modern travel.

Services and Amenities

Luxor International Airport (LXR) provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for the convenience of travellers arriving to explore the treasures of Ancient Egypt.

While waiting for departure, you can visit the Duty-Free shops, which feature a standard assortment of perfumes, confectionery, and international products, as well as browse souvenir stalls with authentic Egyptian goods. You can have a snack or drink coffee in several cafes and small restaurants offering both local and European cuisine. This is an excellent opportunity to taste local snacks one last time before flying.

For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges operate at the airport. Here, passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, as well as fresh newspapers. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations and sockets are provided in waiting areas for charging gadgets.

Financial matters can be settled at bank branches and currency exchange offices. ATMs are also installed in the terminal and are available around the clock. In case of feeling unwell or needing medical assistance, a medical centre operates at the airport, 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 special assistance: airport staff will help with completing all formalities, and the terminal infrastructure includes ramps and equipped restrooms.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many hotels of various levels are located in the immediate vicinity, just a few minutes' drive away. While there may not be specialized conference halls within the airport, basic business services, such as faxing or document copying, are often available in the VIP lounges.

Where to Eat

At Luxor International Airport (LXR), travellers can find several dining options to spend their time comfortably while waiting for a flight. The selection of establishments allows for both a quick snack and a more substantial lunch, although it is not as extensive as in major global hubs.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the departure zone (airside), after passing passport control and security screening. This is where the main food outlets are situated, where you can order sandwiches, pizza, pastries, and beverages. In the public area before check-in (landside), the choice is generally more limited and represented by small coffee shops, ideal for meeting or seeing people off.

For those who want a quick bite, coffee shops offering coffee, tea, juices, as well as various sandwiches and fresh pastries are a great fit. If you have more time, you can find an establishment with a fuller menu including hot dishes, such as grilled chicken with rice or pasta. Among local specialities, it is worth trying traditional Egyptian coffee or aromatic tea with mint.

Passengers with special dietary needs, such as vegetarians, usually have access to vegetable salads, hummus, or meat-free pastries. It is recommended to clarify information regarding the availability of vegan, gluten-free, or specific Halal dishes directly with the cafe staff. Please note that prices at the airport are significantly higher than in the city, so for budget-conscious travellers, it may be advisable to eat in advance.

The main establishments in the departure zone typically operate 24/7 or have their schedule adapted to the timing of international and charter flights so that passengers on night and morning flights can refresh themselves. Small kiosks and cafes may have more limited operating hours.

Travel Tips

When planning a departure from Luxor International Airport, there are several points to consider to make your journey as comfortable as possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 2.5-3 hours before departure for international flights and 1.5-2 hours for domestic ones. This will give you a sufficient buffer of time in case of queues that may arise at check-in counters and security checkpoints.

To speed up the completion of formalities, use online check-in for your flight if such an option is available with your airline. The security screening process at Egyptian airports can be multi-staged and quite thorough, so keep your passport and boarding pass handy. Be prepared for multiple baggage checks.

When choosing a seat on the plane, if you are flying during the day, consider a window seat. During takeoff or landing, you may be treated to beautiful views of the River Nile and the surrounding landscapes. For those who value comfort and the ability to stand up easily, an aisle seat is more suitable.

Rules for carrying hand luggage are generally standard but are strictly enforced. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Be careful when buying souvenirs: exporting items of historical value without special permission is forbidden.

Passengers transiting through Luxor should check with their airline in advance whether they need to collect and re-check their luggage themselves. Keep in mind that completing all formalities between flights may require additional time.

When passing through customs control upon arrival, the "Green" and "Red" channel system applies. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to choose the "Green" one. There are restrictions on the import and export of currency, tobacco products, and other controlled items. Keep receipts for major purchases and souvenirs.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online and book your transfer from the airport to the hotel in advance. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone are generally higher than in the city, so you can bring hermetically sealed snacks or an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for current information. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be entitled to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. There are several cafes and shops in the airport where you can pass the time.

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