Business Aviation Flight Operations In Egypt

Egypt’s aviation sector is a strategic gateway linking Africa, Europe, and Asia, underpinning tourism and trade. Handling over 30 million passengers annually, it has recovered to nearly 90% of pre-pandemic traffic. The sector supports 5% of Egypt’s GDP, with key airports like Cairo and Hurghada driving growth. Business aviation surged 12% year-on-year, reflecting rising demand. Over 40% of Africa-Middle East air traffic flows through Egyptian hubs, reinforcing its role in regional connectivity and economic development.

Top International Airports in Egypt: Key Hubs for Global Travel

These airports serve as major hubs for both domestic and international travel, connecting Egypt to key global destinations.

• Cairo International Airport (IATA: CAI, ICAO: HECA)
• Hurghada International Airport (IATA: HRG, ICAO: HEGN)
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (IATA: SSH, ICAO: HESH)

Cairo International Airport (IATA: CAI, ICAO: HECA) Flight Operations

Cairo International Airport operates three terminals. Terminal 1 is open for international and select domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles international traffic, including seasonal charters. Terminal VIP (also known as the Royal Terminal) is dedicated to business aviation, which has exclusive facilities for private jet operators.

 

This terminal features dedicated lounges, expedited customs and immigration processing, and on-site handling services. Aircraft parking is available at remote stands adjacent to the terminal, with tow-in/tow-out procedures required for larger jets due to ramp space constraints. Ground handling providers at Terminal VIP ensure swift turnaround, including fueling, catering, and waste management. In 2024, Cairo International Airport accommodated 28,775,000 passengers, contributing $2.0 billion in economic impact and supporting a social impact of 211.5 thousand jobs, highlighting its significance as a key aviation hub in the region.

 

HECA is classified as a Level 2 (Schedules Facilitated) airport, requiring prior slot approval for all operations. Peak congestion occurs daily between 0800–1100 UTC and 1700–2200 UTC, with heightened demand during regional holidays and Egypt’s tourism season (October–April). Slots are coordinated through the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) and must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Operators should anticipate potential delays during peak periods and allocate buffer times. Short-notice slot requests may face limited availability, particularly for arrivals/departures outside off-peak windows (2300–0600 UTC).

Hurghada International Airport (IATA: HRG, ICAO: HEGN) Flight Operations

Hurghada International Airport operates two main terminals, with Terminal 1 handling international flights and Terminal 2 serving domestic routes. A dedicated VIP terminal caters exclusively to business aviation, providing streamlined services for private jet operators. Facilities include private lounges, expedited customs and immigration clearance, and dedicated ground handling support.

 

Aircraft parking at the VIP terminal is limited to ramp-adjacent stands, with tow-in/tow-out procedures required for larger jets (e.g., Boeing BBJ/Airbus ACJ) due to apron space constraints. Ground handling services cover fueling, catering, and lavatory/water management, ensuring rapid turnarounds.

 

Hurghada International Airport (HEGN) recorded approximately 9.2 million passengers in 2023, recovering to 88% of pre-pandemic (2019) volumes. Annual aircraft movements reached ~52,000, with business jets accounting for 5% (2,600–2,800 movements). Peak tourism seasons (October–April) drive a 25–30% surge in passenger traffic, particularly December–February. Business aviation activity rises in parallel, reflecting a 12% year-on-year increase since 2021.

 

HEGN is classified as a Level 2 (Schedules Facilitated) airport, requiring slot approval for all operations. Peak congestion aligns with Egypt’s tourism season (October–April), particularly during daily windows of 0800–1100 UTC and 1700–2200 UTC. Slots must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Operators should note reduced availability during European winter holiday periods (December–January) and Islamic holidays. Off-peak slots (2300–0600 UTC) are generally easier to secure. Delays are less frequent compared to Cairo but may occur during overlapping charter and scheduled flight peaks.

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (IATA: SSH, ICAO: HESH) Flight Operations

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH/HESH) is a key gateway for business aviation in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The airport features a single main terminal with a dedicated executive aviation section, and has discreet handling for private operators. Facilities include VIP lounges, expedited customs and immigration services, and direct ramp access.

 

Two asphalt runways (04L/22R: 3,081m; 04R/22L: 3,055m) accommodate aircraft up to Code E, with ample apron space for business jets. Parking is available but requires prior arrangement during peak periods due to limited availability. Ground handling services cover fueling, catering, and maintenance, though operators should confirm crew/tech support in advance.

 

Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (HESH) handled approximately 7.5 million passengers in 2023, recovering to 85% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Annual aircraft movements total ~43,000, with business jets comprising 6% (2,500–2,600 movements). Peak seasons (Q4/Q1) see passenger traffic surge by 15–20%, driven by tourism. Business aviation activity spikes during December–March, aligning with leisure demand. Commercial traffic dominates (92% of movements), but private jet operations grow steadily, reflecting a 10% YoY increase since 2021.

 

Slot coordination is mandatory year-round. Peak traffic occurs during the winter tourist season (October–April), with daily congestion between 0900–1200 and 1700–2000 local time (UTC+2). Slot requests must be submitted at least 72 hours prior with deviations exceeding ±15 minutes requiring revalidation. Short-notice slots may face restrictions due to commercial airline prioritization. Noise abatement procedures apply between 2300–0600, with strict adherence to published departure/arrival routes. PPR is required for all operations, and operators must provide advance passenger manifests for security clearance.

Guidelines and Requirements for Non-Scheduled Business Flights in Egypt

Per the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority’s regulations, the slot time information for non-scheduled business flights is outlined as follows:

 

• Slot requests should be submitted at least 48 hours prior to the intended flight.
• Slot requests must include detailed information such as aircraft registration, type, and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), flight number, origin, destination, as well as the date and time of arrival and departure. Additionally, the purpose of the flight and contact details of the operator or agent must be provided.
• Slot requests must be transmitted via email.
• Confirmation or rejection of slot requests will be communicated via email within 24 hours of submission.
• Any revisions or cancellations to slot allocations should be promptly communicated via email.

 

Moreover, the requisite documents for non-scheduled business flights include:

• A valid airworthiness certificate
• A valid registration certificate
• A valid insurance certificate
• A valid noise certificate
• A valid operator certificate
• Valid flight crew licenses and medical certificates
• Valid passports and visas for all passengers and crew members
• A landing permit issued by the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority
• Health declaration forms for each passenger and crew member must also be provided.

Overflight Permits for International Operations in Egypt Airspace

Securing overflight permits is a necessity for both private non-revenue and charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights entering Egyptian airspace. Regardless of the flight category, specific information is mandatory for permit acquisition. These permits remain valid for the Zulu date specified in the schedule. Typically, the official lead time for obtaining overflight permits in Egypt is four business days.

 

However, expedited requests are feasible in certain circumstances, such as air ambulance operations, which require only three hours’ notice. Providing essential details about the aircraft, captain, passengers, and crew is critical during the permit application process. Notably, there are “NO CAA Processing Fees” associated with issuing Egypt Overflight Permits. These permits remain valid for +24 hours from the originally requested schedule, with the Egypt CAA issuing air navigation bills directly to the Airline/Operator through “EUROCONTROL”. The working hours of the Egypt Civil Aviation Authority are from 0800Z to 1200Z.

Comprehensive Requirements for Egypt Overflight Permit Application

To apply for an Egypt Overflight Permit, you must provide comprehensive details including:

 

• Flight Schedule: Detailed itinerary outlining the proposed flight path and schedule.
• Entry/Exit Points with ATC Route: Specific points of entry and exit into Egyptian airspace along with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) route to be followed.
• Passenger Details: Full information on all passengers onboard the aircraft.
• Consignee & Consignor Details (for Cargo Flights): Complete information about the sender and receiver for cargo flights.
• Aircraft Documents: Submission of essential aircraft documents including:
  • Air Operator Certificate (AOC): Certification indicating the operator’s approval to conduct commercial air transport operations.
  • Certificate of Airworthiness (COA): Document attesting to the airworthiness of the aircraft, ensuring it meets safety standards.
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): Proof of insurance coverage for the aircraft.
  • Certificate of Noise Compliance (CON): Certification demonstrating compliance with noise regulations.
  • Certificate of Registration (COR): Official registration documentation for the aircraft with relevant aviation authorities.

 

These details are crucial for processing the Egypt Overflight Permit application and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations. Additionally, any additional relevant information or documentation requested by Egyptian aviation authorities should be provided promptly to facilitate the permit issuance process.

Landing Permits for International Operations in Egypt Airports

Understanding the requirements for landing permits is vital for flight operations in Egypt. These permits are valid for the Zulu date corresponding to the scheduled landing. While the standard lead time for obtaining landing permits is four business days, flights to/from Sudan or Israel may require additional processing time. Special circumstances may permit short-notice requests for landing permits. When applying for these permits, accurately specifying the flight’s purpose is crucial, avoiding vague descriptions such as “business”. Moreover, providing comprehensive information, including names, dates of birth, nationalities, and passport details of both crew and passengers, is essential. Permit revisions are necessary for any changes in flight details, and certain restrictions apply to Algerian-registered aircraft and cabotage operations. The working hours of the Egypt Civil Aviation Authority are from 0800Z to 1200Z.

Ground Handling Services in Egyptian Aviation

Fuel Availability

• Jet A-1: Available at all three airports (CAI, HRG, SSH) via hydrant systems or bowser trucks. At CAI, hydrant fueling is accessible at Terminal 1 and the VIP terminal, while HRG provides hydrant access at its VIP ramp. SSH relies exclusively on bowser fueling, requiring additional coordination for larger aircraft.

• AVGAS: Limited to CAI (Terminal 1 and VIP ramp) and SSH (bowser-only). HRG does not have AVGAS; operators must plan alternate fueling for piston-engine aircraft.

GPU/Air Start Units

• 28V DC GPU: Standard at all airports for basic power supply.
• 115V 400Hz AC Power: Available at CAI (up to 90kVA capacity) and HRG/SSH (up to 60kVA). Pre-coordination is critical at SSH due to limited AC GPU units, particularly during peak tourism periods (December–March).

Deicing Services

• CAI: has heated Type I (anti-ice) and Type IV (deice) fluid application.
• HRG & SSH: No deicing infrastructure; operators must arrange third-party services or self-contained solutions during rare cold-weather events.

Catering and Lavatory Management

• In-Flight Catering: Available on-demand at all airports, with 4-hour lead time for bespoke menus.
• Lavatory Services: Vacuum drainage systems at CAI (VIP terminal); HRG and SSH require lavatory waste disposal via tanker trucks. Potable water replenishment is standardized across all locations.

Aircraft Towing

• Towbars compatible with common business jets (e.g., Gulfstream G650, Bombardier Global 7500, Dassault Falcon 8X) are available.
• CAI: Mandatory tow-in for aircraft exceeding 30m wingspan (e.g., ACJ320/BBJ) at the VIP ramp due to apron space constraints.

Aircraft Parking

• CAI: VIP ramp accommodates ultra-long-range jets (e.g., Global 7500, G700).
• HRG & SSH: Limited to midsize jets (e.g., ACJ320, BBJ). Pre-book parking during peak season (October–April) to avoid relocation to remote stands.
• Fees: Complimentary 4-hour grace period; pre-paid invoices issued for extended stays.

General Notes

• All services require 3-hour advance notification to ensure resource allocation.
• No on-site Part 145 maintenance is available; coordinate repairs via approved third-party providers.
• Noise restrictions apply: Stage 2 aircraft prohibited; ensure compliance with ICAO Chapter 4 standards.

 

Unlock the potential of business aviation in Egypt with Just Aviation’s expert guidance on flight operations. Navigate the regulatory landscape, infrastructure challenges, and market dynamics with confidence. Our insights empower you to capitalize on opportunities and overcome obstacles, ensuring smooth and successful operations in this vibrant region.