Cairo International Airport airport (CAI)

Egypt · Cairo

Cairo International Airport (CAI) Online Check-in

Egypt's busiest airport and EgyptAir's hub, serving 25+ million passengers a year. Three terminals — T1, T2, T3 (Sphinx) connected by Automated People Mover.

Now at Cairo International Airport

  • Security wait (today, avg) 18 min n=9 reports · last 30 min
  • Disruption No reported disruption
  • Weather impact Clear, 14 °C
Just passed security at CAI? Help others.

No login, no personal data — just timestamp + airport + minutes.

Quick information

Recommended arrival (Schengen)
120 min before departure
Recommended arrival (international)
180 min before departure
Terminals
3
Airlines
60
Time zone
Africa/Cairo
ICAO
HECA

Airlines we cover at Cairo International Airport

Cairo International Airport hosts about 60 airlines in total. We have terminal-specific check-in pages for the 2 listed below. Pick yours to see counters, bag-drop, and online check-in details.

How to check in for a flight from Cairo International Airport

  1. Check in online before you leave home

    Most airlines open online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. It saves time at the airport and avoids airport-counter fees on low-cost carriers.

  2. Arrive at the right terminal

    CAI has 3 terminal(s). Check your airline's terminal in the table above before you set off.

  3. Drop off checked baggage

    Counters typically open 2 hours before departure and close 40 minutes before. Use self-service bag-drop kiosks to save time.

  4. Pass security

    Liquids must be in a single transparent bag, max 100 ml each. Laptops and large electronics out of bags. Submit your security wait time below to help others.

  5. Reach your gate on time

    Most airlines close the gate 20 minutes before departure. Allow 5–15 minutes to walk from security to the gate.

Tips for Cairo International Airport

  • T3 is for EgyptAir Star Alliance

    EgyptAir's flagship terminal. T2 handles foreign carriers. APM (people-mover) connects T2 ↔ T3 in 5 minutes.

  • Visa on arrival or e-visa

    Most OECD passports get visa on arrival ($25, USD cash only). Or apply for e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg (recommended — skip the queue).

  • Allow extra during Ramadan / Eid

    Religious holidays significantly affect schedules and crowds. During Ramadan and Eid, arrive 30+ min earlier than usual.

Popular destinations from Cairo International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Most OECD passports get visa on arrival ($25 USD cash) or can apply for e-visa online ($25). The e-visa is faster — apply 7+ days before.

How early should I arrive at Cairo Airport?

2 hours for international flights, 3 hours during Hajj/Umrah season. Egyptian airports have multiple security checks.

Is Cairo Airport safe?

Inside terminals: yes. Around the airport: use only authorized taxis or Uber. Beware of touts at arrivals.

Official sources

The check-in details on this page are sourced from each airline's website. For terminal layout, opening hours, and ground-side services, see the Cairo International Airport official site below.

Related