Sphinx Airport, located at kilometer 45 on the Cairo/Alexandria Desert Road, is the newest civil airport in Greater Cairo. Opened in January 2019, it was built to relieve pressure on Cairo International Airport, reduce traffic in the heart of Cairo, and serve the booming tourist areas of Giza, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids.
The airport’s construction, completed in just one year, is part of Egypt’s broader plan to develop airports, ports, roads, and transportation infrastructure to support major development projects launched by the Egyptian government.
Economic and Tourism Importance of Sphinx Airport
Sphinx Airport plays a critical role in both tourism and commerce:
- Tourism: Its proximity to the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Fayoum City, Lake Qarun, and the Bahariya Oasis Road makes it ideal for tourists. Many flights are now planned to land directly at Sphinx Airport, shortening travel time to these attractions.
- Commerce: The airport is near the industrial zone of 6th of October City, which hosts numerous factories, enabling easy commercial transportation and cargo operations.
- Hospitality: Nearby hotels, including those in Sheikh Zayed City and the Pyramids area, are expected to see increased occupancy due to the airport’s convenience.
Key Components of Sphinx Airport
Passenger Facilities
The airport includes a main passenger terminal of 4,000 square meters with two halls (departure and arrival), handling up to 300 passengers per hour. Key features include:
- 6 check-in counters
- 4 travel counters
- 2 luggage belts
- VIP travel and arrival hall
- 6 airline offices
- Information desk and tourism company offices
- Banks and duty-free shopping (EgyptAir outlet)
- Cafeterias and restaurants
- Mosque for 550 worshipers
- Quarantine, veterinary, and agricultural offices
Safety and Security
Sphinx Airport is equipped with modern international safety standards:
- Surveillance cameras (88 inside halls)
- X-ray baggage inspection (7 devices)
- Metal detectors (7 gates)
- Baggage detection with K9 units
- Fire alarm and access control systems
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Airfield and Runway of Sphinx Airport
The airfield features:
- A 3,650-meter-long, 60-meter-wide runway with a PCN of 87
- 3 taxiways (TWY) each 34 meters wide and 400 meters long
- An amphitheater area of 650 x 210 meters accommodating 8 wide-body aircraft
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Automated Landing Systems
Sphinx Airport uses advanced ILS/DME automated landing systems and a control programs building equipped with the latest air traffic management technology.
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Additional Services at Sphinx Airport
Sphinx Airport offers a wide range of passenger and administrative services:
- FIDS data displays, TV screens, internal radio, central clocks, and free Wi-Fi
- Parking for 400 cars and 20 buses
- 12 toll gates (6 entry, 6 exit)
- 20 km of administrative roads and 26 km of perimeter fencing
- Landscaped area of 21,000 m²
- 42 administrative and service buildings, including electricity and water stations, refrigeration units, meteorological station, and waste management facilities
Conclusion: Sphinx Airport – A Modern Gateway to Egypt
Sphinx Airport is not just an airport; it is a strategic hub for tourism, commerce, and transportation in Greater Cairo. Its proximity to the Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, and major industrial areas, combined with modern facilities and advanced technology, makes it one of the most important airports in Egypt today.
