Private jet on the tarmac at Cairo International Airport (HECA)

Book your private flight to Cairo International Bespoke private jet charter CAI

Fly to or from Cairo International (CAI/HECA) by private jet with Private Jets Connect, your specialist broker. Comfort, discretion and fast access to Cairo.

Cairo International: The main gateway for business aviation in Egypt

Cairo International Airport (HECA) is the primary choice for private jet travel to Egypt’s capital. Located 15 km northeast of Cairo’s business district, it offers convenient access, typically 25-40 minutes by road, though up to an hour during peak traffic.

The airport features the dedicated Cairo Business Aviation Terminal (CBAT) on its south side, providing direct landside customs and immigration. With three runways, two of which are 4,000 meters long, HECA accommodates all aircraft types, including ultra-long-range jets, day and night.

For shorter flights or when seeking to avoid Cairo International’s commercial traffic, Cairo Sphinx International (HESX), 48 km west, can be a suitable alternative.

Cairo International

Your dedicated agent

How we accompany you

One of our advisors manages every step of your Cairo operation. Permit timelines, slot coordination, handler selection and transfer arrangements are all confirmed from the moment you book your flight.

We keep you updated by message, WhatsApp or phone at every stage, so you step off the aircraft and into your car without a detail out of place.

ECAA permit filing and slot reservation handled end-to-end
Handler brief and ground arrangements confirmed before departure
Transfer coordination to central Cairo or the New Administrative Capital

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Which aircraft for a flight through Cairo International

Both 4,000-metre runways at Cairo International welcome the full range of private aircraft without restriction. A midsize jet handles the Gulf and most European capitals in a single leg; a heavy or ultra-long-range aircraft covers intercontinental routes to western Europe and beyond.

For the eastern Mediterranean circuit, a light jet or turboprop is the right-sized aircraft.

Short regional hops

Tel Aviv · Amman · Nicosia

A light jet or turboprop handles the eastern Mediterranean easily, with short block times and no fuel stop required. Ideal for business day-trips or connections to neighbouring capitals.

Short regional hops — Turboprop — Short regional hops **Turboprop**

Gulf and regional Europe

Riyadh · Dubai · Istanbul

A midsize or super-midsize jet covers the Gulf and Turkey in a single leg, with a cabin suited to both working meetings and comfortable travel. The right balance of range, cabin width and cost efficiency.

Gulf and regional Europe — Midsize Jet — Gulf and regional Europe **Midsize Jet**

Intercontinental Europe and beyond

London · Paris · Frankfurt

A heavy or ultra-long-range aircraft connects Cairo non-stop to Western Europe. Choose this category when distance, full-flat beds and maximum range matter most.

Intercontinental Europe and beyond — Heavy Jet — Intercontinental Europe and beyond **Heavy Jet**

The airfield

Cairo International, Egypt's main gateway

Opened in 1963 on the site of the former Heliopolis airport, Cairo International spans approximately 37 km² in the Heliopolis district northeast of Cairo. In 2025, it served 31 million passengers, making it Egypt’s largest and busiest airport.

It is Cairo’s primary business aviation hub, though some operators prefer Sphinx (HESX) for reduced traffic and costs.

Before you fly

What changes your trip

A few rules at Cairo International change the hour you land, the aircraft you take, and how long it can wait. We deal with each one before you confirm.

Permits and Slots: Plan ahead for your flight

Every private flight to Cairo International requires two approvals: an ECAA (Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority) permit and a slot. The ECAA permit takes a minimum of four working days to process.

As the ECAA permit office operates Sunday to Thursday, a flight planned for a Friday or Saturday must have its permit application submitted by the preceding Monday. Military approval is also required.

In addition, the airport is slot-coordinated, meaning a specific 10-minute window is reserved for your arrival and departure. We handle all permit and slot requests for you, recommending you contact us at least five working days before your intended travel date.

Night operations are possible, with noise rules

Cairo International operates 24 hours a day, with no curfew. However, between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM local time, the airport is designated as noise-sensitive. During these hours, aircraft follow specific procedures and routes to minimize noise impact on the surrounding areas.

Additionally, only aircraft certified to ICAO Chapter 3 noise standards or higher are permitted to operate at any time. Almost all modern business jets meet this requirement, so this typically does not affect your choice of aircraft.

Your aircraft can wait for your return

While you are in Cairo, your aircraft can remain parked at the airport. The Cairo Business Aviation Terminal (CBAT) offers 12 wide-body stands, with dedicated bays for overnight stays.

Jet fuel (Jet A-1) is available directly at the stands, allowing the aircraft to refuel and be ready for your departure. Hangar storage can also be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

This means your aircraft can wait for you, ensuring a seamless return journey.

On arrival

Terminal 1, Hall 4 and the General Aviation Terminal

Six operators handle private jets at Cairo International

Aviary Aero, Universal Aviation, Smart Aviation Company, Egypt Jet Aviation, Aerojet Services, and General Aviation Services work from two locations: Terminal 1, Hall 4, and the General Aviation Terminal near the Royal Lounge. Both offer direct ramp access, executive lounges, and crew facilities. Universal Aviation’s terminal includes prayer rooms.

Customs and immigration clear eligible flights with prior notice and documentation. Jet A-1 is coordinated through your handler. Hangar access and parking are available; confirm any repositioning or space limits when you book ground handling.

Ground access

From the aircraft to the city

Cairo International is 15 km from Zamalek and the central business district via the Ring Road and main arterials. The drive takes 25 to 35 minutes in normal conditions; peak-hour traffic on weekday afternoons can extend this to close to an hour.

The New Administrative Capital, the growing hub for ministries and institutional tenants, is roughly 45 to 60 minutes east of the airport by road.

A helicopter connection is operationally available, with a landing point at the Fairmont Towers roughly 10 minutes from the business aviation terminal.

For everything to do in Cairo, see the Cairo destination guide.

A bespoke experience

Real luxury
is you.

No queues, no protocol, no compromise. Your flight adapts to you: your schedule, your wishes, your pace. You are at the centre of every detail.

Book your flight

Dining on board

The table,
made to measure.

Egypt's culinary heritage translates naturally to cabin catering: pastries and local specialties from Le Marché Pâtisserie, freshly prepared mezze platters and regional main dishes are all available for any leg departing Cairo, alongside champagne and a fully bespoke menu arranged to your brief.

Compose my menu

Rates & routes

Sample private jet prices via Cairo International

Indicative fares from Cairo International. Your agent confirms a precise quote for your dates and aircraft.

Route	Duration	Light Jet 6-8 pax	Midsize Jet 7-9 pax	Super Midsize Jet 8-12 pax	Heavy Jet 10-14 pax

An empty leg to Cairo International,
if the sky lines up.

An empty leg to or from Cairo International is a repositioning flight already on the schedule: the aircraft needs to reach another base or its next mission. These trips are offered at a reduced fare, often around 30% to 75% off a classic charter, in exchange for less flexibility on dates and routing.

On every enquiry, we systematically scan the sky for these opportunities. The goal: whenever possible, a more competitive quote, on price as well as on the aircraft category available.

Request an exact quote

Security, passport control and customs

One building for all formalities

Business aviation passengers at Cairo International clear customs and immigration at the CBAT landside zone without crossing any commercial terminal. Passport control, baggage and the step to your car all happen within the same dedicated building.

What that means for you

The airport operates 24 hours a day: there is no closing time and customs is available on site at the CBAT at any hour.
The Ahlan VIP fast-track service can accelerate the border-control step further on request, with a private lounge and a dedicated path to the aircraft.
Any Egyptian nationals on board a general aviation aircraft require a separate passenger list submitted to Egyptian authorities at permit stage; we include this in our standard filing.
All passenger and crew passport details are submitted with the ECAA permit application, so border formalities at arrival are anticipated and pre-cleared.

The other Cairo airports

Cairo Sphinx International (HESX), 48 km west of the city, is an alternative for business aviation movements where the longest runways and the full HECA infrastructure are not required. Some operators choose it when lower traffic levels or reduced costs are priorities for a given operation.

When it fits

HESX suits lighter aircraft and shorter legs. Some operators prefer it when they find that Cairo International’s slot demand or commercial traffic volume makes scheduling more constrained than their operation requires.

How it affects the quote

Cairo Sphinx is 48 km west of the city centre, which changes the ground transfer picture compared to HECA. Handling costs and permit process at HESX differ; we run the comparison for you and reflect the relevant costs in the quote.

For a full overview of Cairo and what the city offers, see the Cairo destination guide.

CCE

Curfew

Capital International Airport

Private business-aviation airport

FBO

3652 m

Runway

About 45 to 55 km east of central Cairo (sources vary on reference point)

Sphinx International Airport

Private business-aviation airport

FBO

3650 m

Runway

About 40 km from Cairo city centre (Tahrir Square); 10 km from the Pyramids of Giza

Center

View private flights

Private flight from Cairo International

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know to organize your private flight from Cairo International with Private Jets Connect.

How do I book a private jet to or from Cairo International?

To book a private jet to or from Cairo International, simply contact Private Jets Connect. Our experts are available 24/7 to help organize your tailored flight. We take into account your preferences, passenger count, preferred aircraft type and schedule to propose the best option — comfort, flexibility and discretion included.

Who can book a private flight to or from Cairo International?

Private Jets Connect is your dedicated partner for private jet bookings to or from Cairo International. As a specialized air charter broker, we give you access to our network of certified operators, personalized advice and end-to-end trip management from take-off to landing.

How much does a private jet to or from Cairo International cost?

There is no fixed price. The quote depends on the aircraft type, the distance, the number of passengers and the timing. ECAA permit filing and slot reservation also factor into the total. Contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your specific itinerary.

What types of private aircraft can land at Cairo International?

The two 4,000-metre runways accommodate the full spectrum, from turboprops and light jets on short regional legs to heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft on intercontinental routes. All current business aircraft types can operate here without runway restriction.

How far in advance should I book a private jet to Egypt?

At least five working days ahead, ideally more. Egypt requires an ECAA permit with a standard lead time of 4 business days, filed within a Sunday to Thursday working week, plus a slot allocation and a military clearance. Last-minute requests in peak windows are routinely declined, so early contact protects your schedule.

Can I arrive or depart at night from Cairo International?

Yes. The airport has no curfew and operates 24 hours a day. Between 23:00 and 05:00 local time, noise-abatement procedures apply and crews follow designated routes, but there is no restriction on operating hours for aircraft meeting current noise standards.