Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is the main aerial gateway to the Sinai Peninsula and a focal point for millions of tourists seeking the sunny beaches of the Red Sea. Located just a few minutes' drive from the main resort areas, this airport is the third busiest in Egypt, second only to Cairo and Hurghada. Its terminals, with roofs designed to resemble Bedouin tents, welcome and bid farewell to travellers from all over the world every year, serving as the starting point for an unforgettable holiday.

Sharm El Sheikh Airport consists of two main terminals. Terminal 1, opened in 2007, handles the majority of international flights and features modern infrastructure. Terminal 2 is an older but fully renovated building that also receives international and domestic flights. For passenger convenience, all signage and announcements are duplicated in Arabic, English, and Russian.

The airport's infrastructure meets all the essential needs of travellers. Here you will find Duty Free shops, a variety of cafes and restaurants, currency exchange bureaus, bank branches, and car rental desks. You can reach your hotel by taxi or shared buses, with parking areas located at the exit of Terminal 1. Since the airport is located directly off the main El Salam highway, the journey to most hotels will not take much time.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). We recommend checking the data on official resources before your flight.

• Official Website: The most accurate and up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the website of the managing company, Egyptian Airports Company (EAC): www.eac-airports.com.
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +20 69 360 1140.
• Airport Address: Peace Square, Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address: info.ssh@eac-airports.com. However, response times may vary.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage was lost or damaged during the flight, you should primarily contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the information desk or airport security.
• Social Media: The airport's official social media pages may not be active. The most reliable news and updates are published on the official website.

Sharm El Sheikh Airport is conveniently located relative to the main tourist areas. A trip from the centre of resort life, Naama Bay, or from Soho Square to the terminal usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes, making the journey quick and tireless. Below are the main ways to get to the airport so you can plan your departure.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. Official blue and white city taxis can be found everywhere. Key tip: always agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before getting into the car, as meters are rarely used. Generally, the price is fixed. An even more reliable option is to book a transfer through your hotel or an online service. This guarantees a fixed cost and saves you the need to haggle.

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is public transport in the form of blue shared microbuses. They run along the main Peace Road, connecting different parts of the Sharm El Sheikh resort. They do not have fixed stops — you simply flag them down on the road. This is the cheapest way to travel, but it can be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage. Additionally, microbuses are often crowded, and the journey may take longer.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can use a car rental service. Several international and local rental agencies operate in the city. This option is suitable for those planning many independent trips around Egypt. The airport provides parking where you can leave a car for both short and long periods. The roads in Sharm El Sheikh are of good quality, and navigation is not difficult.

Sharm El Sheikh Airport consists of two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). It is important to check in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as they serve different routes. Terminal 1 is a new and modern building that handles the majority of scheduled and charter international flights from Europe and the Middle East. Terminal 2, older and more compact, is mainly used for domestic flights within Egypt and for servicing some international charters.

Both terminals are located in separate buildings but are in close proximity to each other. You can move between them on foot — the walk takes no more than 5-10 minutes. Navigation inside the airport is quite simple thanks to signs in Arabic and English. As in most airports, departure zones are located on the upper floors, and arrival halls on the lower ones. Despite being relatively compact, passenger flows are logically organised.

Terminal 1 is the resort's main international hub. It features spacious halls and modern architecture with a recognisable tent-shaped roof. Here you will find the main Duty Free zone with a large selection of goods, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Thanks to modern facilities and more space, waiting for a flight here is more comfortable.

Terminal 2 is significantly smaller and more modest in terms of services. It performs its function efficiently but does not offer the same variety of shops and establishments as T1. The atmosphere here is simpler, and it can be quite crowded during peak hours. This terminal most often serves EgyptAir flights and other carriers operating domestic flights.

To complete all formalities — check-in, passport control, and security screening — it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance. For international flights, allow at least 3 hours before departure. Security screening procedures may be conducted several times and can be quite thorough. To avoid rushing, always check your terminal number on your ticket or the airline's website and arrive with time to spare.

The history of Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is closely intertwined with the transformation of the city itself into one of the world's leading resorts. Its journey began not as a civilian facility: it was founded in 1968 as the Israeli airbase Ofira. A turning point came in 1982, when, after the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt's control, the facility was converted into a civilian airport. This event gave a powerful impetus to the development of mass tourism in the region.

As the resort's popularity grew, the old terminal, now known as Terminal 2, could no longer cope with the constantly increasing passenger traffic. A key stage in modernisation was the opening in May 2007 of the new, spacious, and modern Terminal 1. This event was a real breakthrough: the new complex with two levels and impressive architecture was designed to handle up to 5 million passengers per year, which radically increased capacity and comfort levels.

Today, Sharm El Sheikh Airport is the second busiest in Egypt, second only to the capital's airport in Cairo. It receives millions of tourists from all over the world annually, serving as the main arrival point for holidaymakers in the South Sinai resorts. In response to the steady growth of tourist interest, there are plans for further expansion, including the construction of a third terminal, which highlights its strategic importance for the country's tourism industry.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal infrastructure is designed to meet the needs of various categories of travellers, from families with children to business people.

For those who want a snack or to do some shopping, many establishments operate within the airport. You will find restaurants serving local and international cuisine here, as well as cosy coffee shops and fast-food outlets. The extensive Duty Free zone offers a wide range of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and souvenirs. Additionally, the terminals feature shops selling Egyptian goods, clothing, and accessories.

Passengers seeking extra comfort can use the VIP lounges. They offer comfortable seating, snacks and beverages, newspapers, and generally more stable Wi-Fi. Spacious waiting halls are equipped for all other travellers. To stay connected, you can connect to wireless internet, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus with current rates are at your service. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid. Mother and child rooms are provided for travellers with children, and passengers with disabilities are offered all necessary assistance for moving around the terminal and boarding the flight.

Although there are no hotels within the airport grounds, several hotel complexes are located in the immediate vicinity, reachable by taxi in minutes. Business centres may be available for business travellers, but for organising large meetings, it is better to use the conference halls in nearby hotels.

At Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH), travellers will find enough options to have a snack before departure or a full meal. Catering establishments are located in both terminals, but the main selection is concentrated in Terminal 1, which serves the majority of international flights.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the "airside" zone — after passing passport control and security screening. Here you will find both international chain establishments (such as coffee shops and fast food) and outlets with local flair. For a quick snack, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee at one of the coffee shops are perfect. If you have time for a full lunch, you can visit one of the restaurants offering pizza, burgers, or Middle Eastern dishes.

Do not miss the opportunity to try some local specialities if they are on the menu. These might include fresh mango or guava juices, as well as traditional snacks. Regarding dietary restrictions, most establishments offer vegetarian options (salads, vegetable sandwiches). Since Egypt is a Muslim country, practically all food here complies with Halal standards. Finding vegan or gluten-free dishes may be challenging, so it is better to carry a small supply of food if you have strict restrictions.

Prices at the airport are significantly higher than in the city. Be prepared that a cup of coffee may cost 5-7 dollars, and the cost of a main course in a restaurant starts from 15-20 dollars. Most establishments operate around the clock or are aligned with flight schedules, so you will not go hungry even with a night departure.

To ensure your journey through Sharm El Sheikh airport goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth considering a few points. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 3 hours before an international flight. This will give you a sufficient buffer of time in case of queues at check-in counters, passport control, and security screening, which can be quite thorough here.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Security screening procedures at Sharm El Sheikh Airport may include several stages of checks, so be prepared to present documents multiple times. All electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras) and liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be removed from hand luggage in advance and packed in a transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you stunning views of the Sinai mountains and the Red Sea during takeoff or landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up often during the flight. For more legroom, you can choose seats by the emergency exit, but note that airlines often charge an additional fee for them.

Pay special attention to hand luggage regulations. Besides standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, it is important to remember that it is strictly forbidden to export corals, sea shells, stuffed fish, and other marine life from Egypt. Attempting to export them can lead to a large fine. Also, do not carry souvenirs imitating antiques in your hand luggage without an appropriate certificate.

If you have a transfer in Sharm El Sheikh, follow the "Transfers" signs. Ensure you do not require a visa to exit into the city if the layover is long. In the transit zone, there are shops and cafes where you can spend time waiting for the next flight. Customs control upon departure mainly checks for items prohibited for export. Keep receipts for expensive purchases (jewellery, carpets) to confirm their value if necessary.

To save money, book a transfer from and to the airport online in advance — this is almost always cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Prices for food and drinks within the airport itself are quite high, so it is better to have a snack before arriving. Bring an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control.

In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative first. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Having travel insurance can also help compensate for unforeseen expenses. The airport has rest areas and free Wi-Fi to help pass the waiting time.