Almaza Airport Egypt: History, Military Role & Air Force Museum

Almaza Airport is one of the most historically significant airports in the Arab Republic of Egypt. Located northeast of Cairo, near Cairo International Airport, it was the first airport built under full Egyptian control. Since its establishment, Almaza Airport has played a major role in the development of Egyptian aviation and continues today as an important military air base.

Key Information About Almaza Airport

Here are the most important facts about Almaza Airport:

• Establishment: Construction began in 1930 to replace Heliopolis Airport, which was under British supervision.
• Official Opening: Almaza Airport was officially inaugurated by King Fuad I on June 2, 1932.
• Current Use: Today, it serves as a military air base operated by the Egyptian Air Force.
• Air Force Museum: Almaza Airport houses the Egyptian Air Force Museum, located on Salah Salem Road, showcasing the history of Egyptian military aviation.

About Almaza Airport

Almaza Airport is considered Egypt’s first modern airport built and managed independently. Situated near the Egyptian capital Cairo, the airport quickly became a landmark in national aviation history.

Since its opening in the early 1930s, Almaza Airport has witnessed remarkable achievements and remains known by several names, including:

• East Cairo Air Base
• Almaza Air Base
• ICAO Code: HEAZ

History of Almaza Airport

The construction of Almaza Airport was completed in 1932. On the official opening day, five aircraft known as Tiger Moth planes arrived from Hatfield base near London.

These planes were piloted by:

• Fouad Haggag
• Abdel Moneim Megawity
• Ahmed Abdel Razek
• Two British pilots

The historic landing took place in the presence of King Fuad I and a large public crowd, marking Almaza Airport as the first airport established by Egypt. Shortly after, Dekheila Airport in Alexandria became the country’s second airport.

Renovations and Expansions of Almaza Airport

Over the years, Almaza Airport has undergone multiple renovations and expansions. Cairo’s aviation infrastructure has continued to grow, transforming the capital into a key air transportation hub between East and West.

Although Almaza Airport is now primarily military, Cairo’s airport system has become one of the largest in Africa in terms of:

• Passenger capacity
• Total area
• Travel traffic volume

Cairo International Airport has also received several international awards, including recognition as Africa’s Best Airport in 2006.

Aviation School at Almaza Airport

One of the most important milestones in Almaza Airport’s legacy was the launch of the Egyptian Aviation School.

• The school began operations on June 7, 1932.
• Its mission was to train and qualify Egyptian pilots to lead national aviation fleets.
• Due to high demand, EgyptAir opened another aviation school in Alexandria at Dekheila Airport in 1933.

This made Egypt one of the first countries in the region to establish multiple flight training institutions.

Almaza Airport: Egypt’s First Airport Under Full National Control

Before Almaza Airport, aviation in Cairo was dominated by British control. The only airport available was Heliopolis Airport, which was restricted to British military and airline operations.

Recognizing the need for independence in aviation, the Egyptian government began constructing Almaza Airport in 1930.

Its official opening in 1932 coincided with the arrival of the first Egyptian Air Force squadron from England. This marked the beginning of a new era for Egyptian aviation.

Important aviation regulations soon followed:

• 1935: First decree regulating air navigation
• 1945: Establishment of the Civil Aviation Authority to manage Egypt’s civil aviation sector

Egyptian Air Force Museum at Almaza Airport

Today, Almaza Airport is also home to the Egyptian Air Force Museum, one of the most notable attractions for aviation enthusiasts.

Located on Salah Salem Road, the museum highlights:

• The evolution of Egyptian military aviation
• Historic aircraft displays
• Key achievements of the Egyptian Air Force

Conclusion

Almaza Airport is far more than just an airfield—it is a symbol of Egypt’s aviation independence and a cornerstone of military aviation history. From its establishment in 1930 and inauguration by King Fuad I in 1932, to its current role as an Egyptian Air Force base and museum site, Almaza Airport remains one of the most significant aviation landmarks in Egypt.