Borg El Arab International Airport
Borg El Arab Airport is Alexandria's main gateway. Modern terminals, budget-friendly flights, and quick links to the city make travel smooth. Security lines move fast, lounges are airy, and families or business flyers find clear signage, Wi-Fi, and duty-free shops.
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Complete Guide to HBE: Borg El Arab Airport, Airlines, Routes & Tips
Borg El Arab International Airport (IATA: HBE, ICAO: HEBA) is an international airport located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Alexandria, Egypt's jewel on the Mediterranean Sea. This airport has replaced El Nozha, which was once the city's main airport. Borg El Arab Airport serves as the gateway to Alexandria and the Nile Delta region. This modern international facility is strategically located at a point that connects the country's rich history to the world. Borg El Arab Airport serves both Egypt's second-largest city and popular North Coast resort destinations.
Borg El Arab Airport was designed as Alexandria's main airport. The airport is operated by the Egyptian Airports Company (EAC). It features a single main terminal building. Approximately 1.5 million passengers use Borg El Arab Airport annually. Both domestic and international flights are operated at the airport.
Borg El Arab Airport offers direct scheduled flights to major cities in the Middle East, such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Amman, and Istanbul, as well as European cities such as Bergamo. The airport is used by both business travelers and tourists.
Borg El Arab Airport is not just an airport. It is a a magical gateway to a city rich in the legacy of Alexander the Great, the legends of Cleopatra, and the traces of Rome. From the moment you step out of the airport, you can feel yourself embraced by a civilization thousands of years old.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, one of the largest libraries in the ancient world, reborn from its ashes, is located in this magical city, just a short journey away. The magnificent Qaitbay Fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the lush gardens of Montaza Palace, which once hosted kings, leave everyone in awe. This city attracts thousands of tourists every year with its underground labyrinths of the Kom el-Shukafa Catacombs, the Roman Amphitheater, and the richness of the Greco-Roman civilization.
HBE is an unforgettable starting point that combines the ancient spirit of Egypt with a modern and efficient infrastructure, offering its guests both comfort and the excitement of taking their first steps into history.
Borg El Arab Airport: Location, Terminal Map & Airlines
Welcome to Alexandria, the magical city wrapped in the legacy of Alexander the Great, the whispers of the greatest library in history, and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea! Your unforgettable journey to this historic port city begins at Borg El Arab Airport. This airport serves as a vital link connecting the allure of Egypt's northern coastline with its rich cultural heritage to the world.
Borg El Arab Airport is located approximately 40 kilometers southwest of Alexandria city center. The airport has served as the city's main airport since 2010. With its extensive surroundings, including the Nile Delta, Borg El Arab Airport is strategically located for both domestic and international flights. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from Alexandria city center. This airport is particularly used by tourists coming from Europe, the Middle East, and Turkey.
Borg El Arab Airport has a single terminal building. The new passenger terminal, which opened in 2010, is designed in the shape of a boat. The terminal building at the airport has three floors.
Ground Floor: Check-in counters are located on the ground floor. Baggage drop-off and pick-up are also handled on this floor.
Second Floor: All domestic and international passengers enter the terminal from this floor. The airline and administrative offices are also located on this floor.
The airport has a capacity of approximately 1.5 million passengers per year. Domestic flights are operated by Air Cairo, Nile Air, and EgyptAir, while international flights are operated by Air Arabia Egypt, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, flydubai, Pegasus Airlines, Saudia, Turkish Airlines, Jazeera Airways, and Aegean Airlines. Additionally, some airlines operate scheduled flights during the summer season.
Airlines & Routes
Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is an air bridge connecting Alexandria and Egypt's Mediterranean coast to the world. Both national carriers and international airlines operate regular flights to this historic city.
EgyptAir, Egypt's national airline, naturally plays a significant role in the airport's operations. EgyptAir operates domestic flights from Borg El Arab to various cities in Egypt, primarily Cairo. Additionally, EgyptAir offers direct flights to important Middle Eastern cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait. Air Cairo focuses primarily on regional destinations such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Low-cost airline Air Arabia Egypt operates frequent flights to cities such as Amman, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Similarly, flydubai flies to Alexandria via Dubai, Jazeera Airways via Kuwait, and Saudia via Jeddah and Riyadh.
With connections to Europe, Alexandria is easily accessible for both leisure and business travelers. Turkish Airlines operates regular flights to Borg El Arab via Istanbul Airport, renowned for its global network. Turkish Airlines offers passengers the opportunity to reach Alexandria with a single transfer from anywhere in the world. Pegasus Airlines offers direct flights from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, providing an economical option for passengers arriving from Turkey and Europe. Wizz Air, one of Europe's leading low-cost carriers, operates direct flights from destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Milan, and Rome.
There are also direct flights to Alexandria from Africa. In particular, Libyan Airlines and Berniq Airways operate regular flights from cities such as Tripoli and Benghazi.
Borg El Arab International Airport serves as a hub for both full-service airlines and low-cost carriers. This diverse range of airlines offers travelers countless options to explore Alexandria's rich history, vibrant culture, and Mediterranean charm.
Transit Options
You've landed in Alexandria, the jewel of the Mediterranean, and you're excited to explore this historic city. Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) is located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of the city center. The journey from the airport to the city center takes between 40 and 60 minutes. To reach the heart of Alexandria from Borg El Arab Airport, you can use taxis, ride-sharing apps, rental cars, and pre-arranged private transfer services.
Taxi: Official airport taxis are available right outside the airport terminal. You can see the taxis immediately after exiting the terminal building. The journey to Alexandria city center takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Average fares for this journey are generally between 400 and 700 Egyptian Pounds (EGP). The most important advice for tourists: never forget to bargain. Before getting into the vehicle, clearly indicate your destination to the driver and agree on the price. Do not get into the taxi without agreeing on the price. Most taxi drivers in Egypt do not use meters.
Car Sharing Apps-Uber & Careem: Uber and its local competitor Careem are very popular in Egypt and provide services to passengers at Borg El Arab Airport. You can easily call a car through your smartphone. The biggest advantage of these apps is that the fare is determined in advance by the app. This means you don't have to haggle and won't encounter any surprise prices. They are generally cheaper than standard taxis.
Car Rental: If you want to explore Alexandria and the surrounding North Coast region at your own pace, you can rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport. The airport terminal building houses offices of international companies such as Avis and Sixt, as well as local car rental companies. However, keep in mind that city traffic in Alexandria is quite heavy. Therefore, we only recommend this option to drivers who are accustomed to local driving dynamics.
Amenities at HBE
Borg el-Arab International Airport is the first stop for travelers to Alexandria, famous for its historical and cultural riches. Let's discover this airport together.
Baggage and Lost Property Services: There are luggage trolleys available in the airport terminal to help you carry your belongings comfortably. If your luggage is lost or damaged, you can contact your airline's counter or the airport's lost property office.
Communication and Financial Facilities: Wi-Fi service is available at the airport. However, this service may be limited. Therefore, you can purchase a local SIM card for longer internet access. In addition, there are currency exchange offices where you can exchange Egyptian pounds (EGP) and ATMs where you can withdraw money inside the terminal.
Restaurants and Shops: Borg el-Arab Airport has shopping and dining options where you can spend time before your flight. Duty-free shops sell perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and various products from international brands. There are also boutique shops selling souvenirs unique to Egypt. When you are hungry, you can enjoy a last Egyptian meal at restaurants offering Egyptian and international cuisine.
Rest and VIP Lounge: Passengers who wish to wait for their flight in a more peaceful and privileged environment can wait at the airport's special passenger lounge. You can wait for your flight at the Pearl Lounge located at the airport. These lounges offer comfortable seats, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi. There are also comfortable seats in the airport's general waiting area.
Accommodation and Transportation: Borg el-Arab Airport is located approximately 45 kilometers from Alexandria city center. There are various hotels around the airport, such as Africana Hotel & Spa and Hilton Alexandria King's Ranch, which also offer airport transfer services. You can reach the city center or your hotel by taxi or private transfer vehicles.
Alexandria: The Second Largest City in Egypt
Are you ready for a journey to the heart of history and a trip surrounded by the sea? Alexandria is a magical place where the sea and history meet. Would you like to step out of the shadow of the dusty pyramids and pharaonic tombs and open the door to a completely different fairy tale? Alexandria is breathes not in the Nile but in the arms of the Mediterranean, carrying the spirit of Cleopatra, Roman generals, and Greek philosophers as much as it does the pharaohs.
Unlike the chaotic energy of Cairo, Alexandria's pace is set by the salty sea breeze. When you arrive here, you may feel like a traveler searching for a lost memory rather than a tourist. When you suddenly come across a dilapidated Belle Époque-style apartment building, you might feel as though you've stepped into one of Europe's former capitals.
So, what should you do to get a feel for the spirit of this unique city? Here is my personal list:
1. Qaitbay Fortress: Everyone will tell you to come here. Close your eyes and imagine the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once rising at this spot. As you walk along the walls battered by the waves, try to feel what the soldiers who protected this port for centuries and the sailors returning home felt.
2. Blue Tram: Leave the tour buses behind. If you want to truly discover Alexandria, you must take a ride on the iconic blue trams that traverse the city's veins. This tram is one of the oldest tram lines in the world. Sit back in the wooden seats and watch life pass by through the windows.
3. Kom el-Shukafa Catacombs: This is no ordinary cemetery. It is an underground labyrinth where Egyptian gods wear Roman togas and statues of Anubis stand guard like Roman legionnaires. Spanning three floors, these tombs show us how Greco-Roman and Ancient Egyptian art intertwined.
4. Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The Modern Library of Alexandria is not just a place for books. It is a monument to an idea reborn from its ashes. Built in memory of its legendary predecessor from the ancient world, this architectural marvel will enchant you with its sloping roof and exterior adorned with letters from 120 different alphabets. Step inside and lose yourself in the ocean of knowledge within the silence.
5. Local Delicacies: Skip the tourist restaurants. Stroll along the corniche and try the fresh fish just caught from the sea at small, rustic but delicious restaurants that rival the stars. Start your day with a warm “feteer” from a bakery in the early morning. In the afternoon, sit down at one of the city's historic pastry shops, such as Delices or Trianon, and sip your coffee at the tables once frequented by famous writers and poets.
Alexandria is a magical city waiting to be discovered with patience. Are you ready to create your own memories in the Mediterranean's timeless memory?
Contact Info
Official Name: Borg El Arab International Airport
Phone Number: +20 3 4631010
FAQ Borg El Arab Airport
1. How far is Borg El Arab Airport from the city center?
HBE is located approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Alexandria. You can reach the city center from the airport by taxi or private transfer.
How do I get to the city center from Borg El Arab Airport?
The most practical way to get to the city center from Borg el-Arab Airport is by taxi. For a more comfortable and stress-free start, you can book a private transfer in advance.
How early should I arrive at the airport for domestic and international flights?
For international flights, you should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. For domestic flights, you should arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight.
What is my baggage allowance and what are the options for purchasing additional baggage?
Your baggage allowance varies depending on your travel class and airline. EgyptAir offers passengers the option to purchase additional baggage online or at the airport.
Are there any hotels at Seychelles Airport?
There are no hotels connected to the airport terminals. However, there are various hotels in the surrounding area.
Are there any car rental companies operating at Borg El Arab Airport?
There are various car rental companies operating at the airport.
What are the visa and entry requirements?
A valid passport, return ticket, and accommodation details are required to enter Seychelles. The visa fee is 25 USD, 25 Euro, or 25 GBP.
Is there free Wi-Fi at the airport?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. However, the connection speed may be limited and time-based.
How long does baggage delivery take at Borg El Arab Airport?
Baggage delivery at the airport is usually fast. However, short delays may occur during busy periods.
How long do customs and security checks take at Borg El Arab Airport?
Generally, customs and security checks are completed quickly. The entire process takes about 30 minutes.
Are there lounge services at Borg El Arab Airport?
Yes, there is a Pearl Lounge at the airport.