Marsa Alam International Airport

Marsa Alam International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of pristine coral reefs and a tranquil holiday in southern Egypt. It is the country's first airport built and operated by a private company, which is reflected in its modern architecture and high level of service. The terminal building, styled to resemble desert tents, creates a relaxing atmosphere immediately upon arrival, sparing travellers from the hustle and bustle typical of larger airports.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Marsa Alam Airport compares favourably to its busier counterparts due to its compactness and lack of huge queues, allowing you to clear passport control and retrieve luggage as quickly as possible. Passengers have access to the comfortable Pearl Assist VIP Lounge, offering expedited formalities and a cosy waiting area.

A Duty Free zone operates within the terminal, offering a good selection of perfumes and sweets, as well as several cafes and souvenir shops. A significant advantage is its location: the airport is just a 5–10 minute drive from the Port Ghalib resort area, making the transfer to many hotels incredibly short and tireless.

Below is the essential contact information for Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) that you may need when planning your trip.

• Official Website: www.marsaalam-airport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +20 65 370 0020
• Address: Marsa Alam International Airport, KM 67, Quseir-Marsa Alam Road, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
• Email: For general enquiries and feedback, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: It is recommended to track the most up-to-date information on the official website, as social media presence may be inactive.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you must contact your airline's Lost & Found service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultation and assistance, you may call the main airport information number.

Getting to Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) from the resort area is quite simple, although transport options differ from major cities. The airport serves an extensive coastline of hotels, so the time and cost of the trip depend directly on your hotel's location. The main methods are taxis, pre-booked transfers, and car rental.

Taxis and Transfers

This is the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport for most tourists.

• Hotel Transfers: If you are travelling as part of a package tour, the transfer from the hotel to the airport is likely already included in your trip. This is the most hassle-free option.
• Private Transfers: Many companies offer transfer services that can be booked online in advance. This guarantees a fixed price and timely vehicle arrival. The cost of the trip usually varies from 15 to 50 USD depending on the distance.
• Local Taxis: A car can be ordered at the hotel reception or found independently. It is critically important to agree on the fare before the trip begins to avoid misunderstandings.

Public Transport

Please note that the Marsa Alam resort area lacks standard public transport such as city buses, metro, or trains. Movement between hotels and the airport is primarily carried out via tourist shuttles and taxis. One should not rely on regular bus routes for travel to the airport.

Car Rental and Parking

For independent travellers wishing to explore the region, renting a car can be an excellent solution. You can hire a car either at the airport upon arrival or at some major hotels. Ensure you have an International Driving Permit. The roads in this part of Egypt are generally of good quality but require attentiveness. The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking for those arriving in their own or rented vehicles.

Travel Time and Recommendations

The airport is located approximately 60 km north of the city of Marsa Alam. Travel time to it can range from 15 minutes to one and a half hours, depending on which part of the coast your hotel is located. To avoid rushing, we recommend leaving for the airport well in advance, especially if you are travelling during the peak season. The most reliable and comfortable way to reach the airport remains a pre-booked private or group transfer.

Marsa Alam International Airport Marsa Alam (RMF) is a modern and compact aviation hub designed for the convenience of tourists arriving at the Red Sea resorts. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one main terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals — all zones are located in one building. The airport layout is logical: the building is clearly divided into the Arrivals zone and the Departures zone, located on the same level. Signs are in Arabic and English, which helps with orientation.

The Arrivals Zone welcomes passengers after disembarking the aircraft. First, you enter the visa sector where you can purchase a visa upon arrival, then proceed through passport control. Immediately after is the baggage claim area with several carousels. After retrieving suitcases, there is customs inspection and the exit to the public hall, where tourists are met by tour operator representatives, and where taxi stands and car rental offices are located.

The Departures Zone includes a spacious check-in hall with several dozen counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to security screening and passport control. The time to complete these procedures is usually short, but during peak season (during mass charter departures), queues may form. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure. After all formalities, you enter the secure area with Duty Free shops, several cafes, and boarding gates. Due to the small size of the terminal, you can reach any gate within 5-10 minutes.

Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) is a relatively young but extremely important transport hub on the Red Sea coast. Its history is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in the southern part of Egypt. The airport was officially opened on 16 November 2003 with the main goal of making remote and picturesque resorts, such as Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib, easily accessible to international travellers.

A key historical fact is that Marsa Alam Airport became the first private international airport in Egypt's history. It was built and is managed by EMAK Marsa Alam, a subsidiary of the Kuwaiti M.A. Al-Kharafi Group. This project set a precedent and became a successful model of public-private partnership in the development of the country's tourism infrastructure. Before its appearance, tourists had to endure long and tiring transfers from Hurghada Airport, which hindered the region's growth.

Since its opening, the airport has not undergone massive reconstructions, as it was originally designed as a modern complex capable of handling significant tourist flow. Its development proceeded in parallel with the construction of new hotels and diving centres on the coast. The airport's main achievement can be considered its role as a catalyst for economic growth for the entire region. It literally opened the southern Red Sea coast to the world, turning it into one of the most attractive destinations for diving and peaceful beach holidays.

Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is a modern and convenient transport hub oriented towards tourists arriving at the Red Sea resorts.

While waiting for departure, you can visit the Duty Free shops, which feature a wide selection of perfumes, beverages, tobacco products, and souvenirs. Additionally, various cafes and fast-food restaurants operate within the terminal where you can have a snack or a cup of coffee. For those preferring a secluded atmosphere, a VIP Lounge is available with snacks, drinks, and more comfortable waiting conditions.

Access to free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work. For passenger convenience, charging stations for mobile devices are equipped in the waiting halls. Financial services are represented by bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points.

A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with children. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical point for first aid. The airport is also fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility — wheelchairs and special assistance are provided upon prior request.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, many resort hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, reachable by taxi or transfer in a few minutes. Specialised conference halls are absent in the airport; however, basic conditions for work can be found in the VIP Lounge.

At Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF), the choice of dining establishments is concentrated mainly in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security screening. Although the airport cannot boast a huge variety of restaurants, everything necessary to have a snack before a flight is available here.

The food court consists mainly of cafes and fast-food outlets. Typically, you can find international chain establishments here, such as Costa Coffee, as well as several other cafes offering sandwiches, pastries, salads, and desserts. For a more substantial lunch, you can consider combo menu options at fast-food points. Most establishments are located in the main departure waiting area (airside), while the choice before the control zone (landside) is extremely limited, usually just a small kiosk with drinks and snacks.

If you wish to try something from local cuisine, your options will be limited. In standard cafes, you can sometimes find Egyptian sweets or snacks, but one should not count on full national dishes. Regarding dietary needs, practically all food complies with Halal standards. However, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes may be difficult to find — the choice usually comes down to simple salads or fruits. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them.

Prices at Marsa Alam airport, as in most tourist airports, are significantly higher than in the city. Be prepared that the cost of dishes and drinks may be 2-3 times higher than average. Prices are often listed in Euros or US Dollars, but payment is also accepted in Egyptian Pounds, though the exchange rate may not be the most favourable. Opening hours of establishments are tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve all departing passengers, including at night.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack, a coffee with a croissant or a sandwich from one of the cafes is ideal.
• For a full lunch, the best option would be a burger menu or another set meal in the fast-food zone.
• If you want a hearty meal before departure, it is better to do so in advance, before arriving at the airport.

Travelling through Marsa Alam International Airport, the gateway to the southern coast of the Red Sea in Egypt, usually proceeds calmly, but knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before an international flight, especially during the peak tourist season. Although the airport is not very large, queues can arise at check-in counters and security control.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. When passing through security, be prepared for a thorough check. Liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag are allowed in hand luggage. The export of corals and large shells is strictly prohibited — serious fines are prescribed for this. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will offer you stunning views of the coast and desert during takeoff and landing.

Marsa Alam is predominantly a final destination, so transit flights are rare here. If you do have a transfer planned, carefully follow the "Transit" signs and check with your airline in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage. At customs control upon arrival, you will need a visa, which can often be purchased directly at the airport. Upon departure, be prepared for a possible inspection of souvenirs regarding the export of cultural values.

To save money, it is better to exchange a small amount into local pounds in advance or use an ATM at the airport. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone may be inflated. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information and possibly vouchers for food and water. Given the limited number of entertainment options at the airport, it makes sense to have a book, a charged power bank, and films or series downloaded to your device.