Mubarak International Airport

Mubarak International Airport is not merely an air gateway to Sohag, but a modern transport hub granting travellers access to the treasures of Upper Egypt. Located in the very heart of the ancient land of the Pharaohs, it serves as a bridge between millennia of history and the comfort of modern travel. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, serving as a starting point for exploring the region's lesser-known yet equally impressive archaeological sites.

The main advantage of Sohag Airport is its strategic location. For tourists wishing to visit the ancient temple complexes in Abydos and Dendera, flying here can be more convenient than flying into the larger airports of Luxor or Hurghada, as the distance to these attractions is significantly shorter. The airport features modern infrastructure, compactness, and ease of navigation, making all formalities quick and comfortable. It serves flights to Cairo as well as several Gulf countries, which is convenient for transit passengers and those combining a holiday in Egypt with travel across the Middle East.

Below you will find contact information for Mubarak International Airport (HMB) in Sohag. We recommend verifying the data before your trip, as it is subject to change.

• Official Website: The airport does not have a dedicated website. Basic information is available on the Egyptian Airports Company (EAC) portal: eac-airports.com.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +20 93 4601110. You can obtain general information about flights and airport operations at this number.
• Airport Address: Sohag Desert Road, Sohag, Sohag Governorate, Egypt. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres south of the city centre.
• Email: A direct email address for contacting the airport is not provided. For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the telephone or contact forms on the management company's website.
• Social Media: Currently, Sohag Airport does not have official pages on popular social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you travelled with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main inquiry service phone number is used for passenger consultations and support.

Getting to Mubarak International Airport (HMB) from the city of Sohag is quite simple, although the choice of transport is not as extensive as in the major tourist centres of Egypt. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres south of the city centre, and the journey usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and transfers are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. You can book a car through your hotel, use local taxi services, or hail a vehicle on the street. It is very important to agree on the fare in advance, as drivers do not always use meters. The estimated cost of a trip from central Sohag to the airport is 100-150 Egyptian Pounds (EGP), but the price may vary. A pre-booked private transfer may cost slightly more but guarantees a fixed price and comfort.

Public transport options are quite limited. These are mainly local microbuses that operate without a fixed schedule. This is the most budget-friendly method, but it can be extremely inconvenient for tourists with luggage and without knowledge of Arabic, as routes are not always obvious. There is no direct bus or rail connection to the airport, so this option is more suitable for experienced travellers.

For greater freedom of movement, you might consider car rental. There are several rental agencies in Sohag where you can hire a car. This will allow you to not only reach the airport comfortably but also explore the region's attractions at your own pace. The airport has a car park where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Thus, for most travellers, the optimal choice in terms of price and convenience is a taxi. We recommend leaving for the airport with time to spare, especially during peak hours. If you are planning a trip to Sohag from other regions, consider flights to larger airports, such as Luxor International Airport or Hurghada International Airport, from where you can reach Sohag by train or bus.

The International Airport (HMB) serving the Sohag region is a compact and modern transport hub. The terminal complex consists of one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic flights (predominantly from Cairo) and international flights from neighbouring countries. Thanks to the unified structure of the building, passengers do not need to worry about complex transfers or using shuttles — all infrastructure is located under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive even for inexperienced travellers. The departure and arrival zones are located on the same level, which significantly simplifies navigation. Upon entering the terminal, all visitors undergo mandatory preliminary security screening. Next is the hall with check-in counters, followed by passport control and the customs inspection area. The baggage claim hall for arriving passengers is located in immediate proximity to the city exit.

A distinctive feature of the terminal is its architectural style, which includes elements of Ancient Egyptian design, creating a special atmosphere immediately upon arrival. Despite its small size, the airport has everything necessary: small Duty-Free shops, cafes, souvenir kiosks, and prayer rooms. Waiting lounges are equipped comfortably enough, although the choice of entertainment may be limited compared to major capital hubs.

Regarding the time required for formalities, procedures here usually take less time than in the busy airports of Cairo or Hurghada. Nevertheless, security measures in Egyptian airports are very strict and include several stages of checking. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one to pass check-in and thorough security screening without rushing.

Navigation inside the building is facilitated by clear signs in Arabic and English. It is practically impossible to get lost here: the flow of passengers is organised linearly. If you have any questions, airport staff or tourist police are usually present in the halls and ready to help with directions.

The history of Sohag International Airport (HMB), located in Egypt, is relatively short but reflects important stages in the region's development. The airport is one of the most modern in the country and was built to stimulate economic growth and tourism in Upper Egypt.

Construction of the air harbour began as part of a national infrastructure development project. The official opening took place in May 2010. Initially, the airport was named "Mubarak International Airport". Its main task was to ensure direct air connectivity for residents and visitors of the Sohag governorate, as well as to simplify tourist access to famous archaeological sites such as Abydos and Akhmim.

A key event in the airport's history was the change of its name. Following political changes in the country in 2011, it was officially renamed Sohag International Airport, like many other facilities across the country. This event did not affect its operations, and it continued to function as an important transport hub.

Since the airport was built quite recently, it was originally designed according to modern standards and did not require large-scale reconstruction. Its infrastructure includes a spacious passenger terminal capable of serving hundreds of passengers per hour, and a runway designed to accommodate various types of aircraft. Today, the airport plays a significant role in the transport system of Upper Egypt, serving both domestic and international flights.

Sohag International Airport (HMB), formerly known as Mubarak Airport, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is thoughtfully organised so that your journey begins or ends without unnecessary hassle.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the terminal features several cafes and small restaurants where you can order both local dishes and familiar international food. In the departure zone, there is a Duty-Free shop offering a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and souvenirs.

Passengers can relax in the general waiting halls equipped with comfortable seating. For travellers valuing enhanced comfort, VIP lounges may be available, offering a quieter atmosphere, snacks, and beverages. Access to free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, and charging stations for mobile devices are available in the waiting halls.

Financial matters can be settled directly within the airport building. ATMs and currency exchange points operate here, where you can exchange money for Egyptian Pounds — the national currency of Egypt. In case of need, a medical centre operates around the clock at the airport to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Ramps, special restrooms, and the option to request assistance for passengers with reduced mobility are provided (it is recommended to notify the airline in advance). For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, travellers can easily find accommodation options in the nearby city of Sohag. Business services, such as conference rooms, may be limited at the airport, however, basic facilities like faxing or photocopying are often available in VIP lounges or airline offices.

When planning a departure from Mubarak International Airport (HMB), it is important to consider that this is a relatively small regional airport. The choice of dining establishments here is limited but sufficient for a snack before a flight. Mostly, small cafes and kiosks with snacks are represented here, rather than full-service restaurants.

The majority of establishments are located in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security (airside). Typically, these are small cafes where you can order sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and sweets. You can also have coffee, tea, or soft drinks here. In the public area before control (landside), the selection is usually even more modest and may be represented by vending machines with drinks and snacks.

For a quick snack, cheese or chicken sandwiches, croissants, or local sweets are perfect. If you want to try something with the flavour of Egypt, pay attention to the drinks — for example, traditional Hibiscus tea (Karkade) may be served here. Options for a full lunch or dinner are unlikely to be found at the airport, so it is better to eat beforehand in the city of Sohag.

Regarding special dietary needs, all meat products offered are generally halal. Finding vegetarian options is possible — usually pastries or cheese sandwiches. However, specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes are unlikely to be on the menu, so travellers with such restrictions should bring food with them. Prices at HMB airport, as in most airports around the world, are noticeably higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, but main outlets are open during all departure periods.

To ensure your journey through Mubarak International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. These simple recommendations will help save time, nerves, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport. To avoid unnecessary rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control. It is always useful to check your airline's recommendations.

Check-in and security. The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on the airline's website. If you check in at the counter at the airport, have your passport and ticket ready. Security control at Sohag airport follows standard procedures, but it is better to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage for scanning in advance.

Seat selection. When choosing a seat, be guided by your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but airlines often charge an additional fee for them.

Hand luggage. Be sure to pack documents, money, gadgets, a power bank, and necessary medicines in your hand luggage. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids: no more than 100 ml in one container, and all containers must be packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited.

Passengers with transfers. If you have a connecting flight, immediately upon arrival in the transit zone, find information about your next flight and the gate number on the display board. Check with the airline if you need to collect and re-check your luggage — usually, when flying with one airline or alliance, luggage is transferred automatically.

Customs control. When entering Egypt through Sohag airport, customs control follows standard rules. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration (for example, large sums of cash or expensive electronics for commercial purposes), you will need to go through the "Red Channel". Be prepared for a possible spot check of luggage.

Saving time and money. To save time, check in for your flight online and, if possible, travel with hand luggage only. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled with drinking water after security) and a light snack. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city.

Flight delays. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First of all, contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Depending on the length of the delay, the carrier is obliged to provide drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. If you have travel insurance, check if it covers such cases.