Business Aviation Flight Operations In Egypt

Despite occasional political challenges, Egypt’s aviation industry remains robust, with a well-functioning infrastructure supporting General Aviation (GA) operations. Business aircraft operators generally encounter smooth processes when entering and exiting the country. Moreover, Egypt’s aviation authorities are proactive in ensuring efficient permit procedures, providing clarity on requirements for overflight and landing permits, lead times, potential restrictions, and procedures for permit revisions. This proactive approach enhances the overall experience for GA operators, facilitating seamless operations within Egypt’s airspace. The following international airports are the top choices and preferred destinations in Egypt:

• Cairo International Airport (IATA: CAI, ICAO: HECA)
• Hurghada International Airport (IATA: HRG, ICAO: HEGN)
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (IATA: SSH, ICAO: HESH)
• Borg El Arab International Airport (IATA: HBE, ICAO: HEBA)
• Luxor International Airport (IATA: LXR, ICAO: HELX)

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

CAI is Egypt’s largest and busiest airport, functioning as the primary hub for many airlines. It comprises four terminals, with Terminals 1 and 3 dedicated to international flights. Terminal 1 features a transit hall and a multi-story underground garage, while Terminal 3 offers exclusive amenities for business aviation, including a separate entrance, check-in, security, and lounge facilities.

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

HRG stands as Egypt’s second busiest airport, primarily serving tourists and charter flights bound for the Red Sea resorts. It consists of two terminals, with Terminal 1 designated for international flights. This terminal boasts a VIP lounge and a business center to cater to travelers’ needs.

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

SSH is the third busiest airport in Egypt, caters to tourists and charter flights heading to the Sinai Peninsula. With two terminals, Terminal 1 handles international flights and offers amenities such as a VIP lounge and a business center to enhance the passenger experience.

Borg El Arab International Airport (IATA: HBE, ICAO: HEBA)

HBE is Egypt’s fourth busiest airport, and serves as an alternative to the currently closed Alexandria International Airport due to renovation. It operates from a single terminal accommodating both domestic and international flights, equipped with a VIP lounge and a business center to accommodate passengers’ needs.

Luxor International Airport (IATA: LXR, ICAO: HELX)

LXR is Egypt’s fifth busiest airport, mainly serves tourists and charter flights to Upper Egypt’s ancient sites. With a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights, Luxor International Airport also offers amenities such as a VIP lounge and a business center for passenger convenience.

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

Cairo International Airport caters to business aircraft operators with a comprehensive array of services and amenities, including passenger and ramp handling, load control and communication, representation and supervision, as well as security measures and more. Additionally, a dedicated area is available, offering supplementary facilities like a crew lounge, prayer room, ground transportation assistance, permit coordination, hotel arrangements, catering services, and more.

At other international airports, the equipment utilized by ground handling facilities may vary depending on the aircraft’s type and size. However, common equipment includes tow bars, tugs, pushback tractors, belt loaders, baggage carts, dollies, chocks, GPU (Ground Power Unit), ASU (Air Start Unit), ACU (Air Conditioning Unit), stairs, ladders, and fire extinguishers. Furthermore, all international airports provide Jet A/A-1 fuel supply to accommodate business aviation needs and flights.

The Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) is the regulatory body responsible for approving and overseeing ground handling facilities at these airports. Its mandate includes ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of civil aviation operations in Egypt. The ECAA issues licenses and certificates to ground handling service providers, conducts inspections, and audits to ensure compliance with both national and international standards and regulations.

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.