---
iata: CAI
name: Cairo International Airport
city: Cairo
country: Egypt
lastUpdated: '2026-08-31'
officialWebsite: 'https://www.cairo-airport.com/en-us/'
sources:
  - 'https://www.cairo-airport.com/en-us/'
  - 'https://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/egypt/cairo-international'
quickFacts:
  - '3 main terminals (T1, T2, T3) with international focus on T2/T3'
  - EgyptAir hub with Star Alliance presence
  - 'No direct metro into the terminals—bus, taxi, or rideshare only'
  - 24/7 operations but peak chaos mornings/evenings
  - Priority Pass lounges in multiple terminals (confirm hours)
  - Use official taxi booth or Uber/Careem—ignore curb hustlers
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 3 hours early
    detail: >-
      Counters open 2-3 hours pre-departure; add buffer for gender-separated
      checks.
    summary: Security and passport lines routinely exceed 60-90 minutes.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: Confirm T2 for most internationals
    detail: Transfers between terminals require bus or long walk—check boarding pass.
    summary: T2 handles majority of long-haul; T1 for some regionals.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Eat landside before security
    detail: Duty-free snacks available but queues form fast near gates.
    summary: Airside options limited and overpriced; grab koshary or ful outside.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Download EgyptAir app for updates
    detail: >-
      Delays spike on congested days; check the EgyptAir app and airport boards
      before leaving for CAI.
    summary: Build buffer — weather and congestion regularly stretch waits.
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Day pass available
    bestFor:
      - Long layovers
      - Work
    summary: Solid 24h option known for cleanliness and variety when not overcrowded.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal 2
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Wi-Fi
      - Food
      - Quiet zones
  - name: Ahlein Premium Lounge
    hours: Varies
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Amex Platinum
    bestFor:
      - Short visits
    summary: >-
      Good for Priority Pass but capacity limits and 3-hour max stay noted in
      recent reviews.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal 2
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Buffet
      - Wi-Fi
  - name: CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium Lounge & EAS
    hours: 24 hours
    access:
      - Priority Pass
    bestFor:
      - International flights
    summary: Solid 24h option known for cleanliness and variety when not overcrowded.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal 1
    amenities:
      - Showers
      - Wi-Fi
      - Seating
waterOptions:
  - kind: purchase
    name: Duty-free shops
    zone: airside
    price: EGP 20-30 for 500ml
    summary: >-
      Cheapest sealed bottle option airside when landside vendors are
      inaccessible.
    location: Next to Ahlein Lounge after passport control
    terminal: Terminal 2
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: refill
    name: Water fountains
    zone: airside
    summary: >-
      Free potable refill spots after security — bring a bottle to avoid buying
      airside water.
    location: Near gates in departures hall past security
    terminal: Terminal 2
  - kind: free
    name: Lounge water stations
    zone: airside
    summary: Unlimited free filtered water for lounge access holders.
    location: 'Inside CAC Lounge, 1st floor'
    terminal: Terminal 2
    isBestQuality: true
airportistScore: 6.8
slug: cai
region: Africa
---
> Markdown for [/airports/cai](/airports/cai). Append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for an agent-readable copy.

- [HTML page](/airports/cai)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/cai/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Cairo, Egypt · Africa
Solid regional hub with improving facilities but chronic security delays and limited transport options create stress.
## Airportist Score

**6.8 / 10**
- Comfort: 6.5
- Navigation: 6.8
- Food: 6.2
- Transport: 7.5
- Disruption resilience: 6.9

## At a glance

- Passengers: ~25M
- Terminals: 3 main terminals
- Typical security: 45 min
- On-time: 78%
- Disruption: minor

## Best for

- Affordable Priority Pass lounges
- 24-hour operations
- Cheap city transfers
- EgyptAir connections

## Watch out for

- Long unpredictable security queues
- Terminal transfers needed for some flights
- Limited airside dining variety
- Peak-hour congestion

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/cai/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/cai/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/cai/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/cai/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/cai/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/cai/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/cai/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/cai/reviews.md)