Last reviewed: September 2026 · Africa Airport Guides
Operator summary
Cairo International Airport (HECA / CAI) is Egypt’s main international airport and the hub of EgyptAir. It sits about 15 km north-east of central Cairo. It is open 24 hours and has three long runways.
| Airport | Cairo International Airport |
|---|---|
| IATA code | CAI |
| ICAO code | HECA |
| Location | About 15 km from central Cairo |
| Operator | Cairo Airport Company |
| Elevation | About 116 m (382 ft) |
| Runways | 05L/23R about 3,300 m. 05C/23C and 05R/23L about 4,000 m each. |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Hub airlines | EgyptAir, Nile Air, Air Cairo |
| Time zone | Egypt time. Check local offset, which can change with daylight saving. |
| AAES support | 24/7 permits, ground handling and Jet A-1 fuel coordination |
Planning a movement through Cairo? Send the aircraft, full route, dates, passenger and crew list, fuel quantity and the services you need. AAES can coordinate flight permits, ground handling and Jet A-1 fuel, subject to authority and supplier confirmation.
CAI and HECA airport codes
CAI is the IATA code, used for tickets and bookings. HECA is the ICAO code, used in flight plans, NOTAMs, permits and handling requests.
Runways and terminals
Cairo has three parallel runways. Two are about 4,000 m long. The third is about 3,300 m. Long runways suit large jets and long-range flights.
The airport has three main terminals and a seasonal terminal. Terminal 3 is the largest and serves EgyptAir and its alliance partners. Ask the handler how private and charter passengers will be processed.
Permits for Egypt
Foreign private and charter flights need an ECAA permit. Egypt asks for full passenger and crew data and a clear purpose of visit. Read our Egypt landing permit guide.
Ground handling at Cairo
Cairo is a busy hub. Confirm handling, parking and slots before departure. Share the aircraft type, MTOW, ETA, ETD, ground time, passenger and crew numbers, and any VIP, catering or crew hotel needs.
AAES coordinates aircraft handling, VIP handling and in-flight catering through local providers.
Jet A-1 fuel at Cairo
Jet A-1 is available. Avgas is not normally listed at Cairo, so piston aircraft need a plan. Confirm supplier, payment and uplift timing before departure. See our aircraft fuelling services.
Cairo on longer routes
Cairo links Africa with Europe and the Middle East. It works as a gateway or technical stop, but each country on the route needs its own permit. See our multi-country flight planning guide and the Addis Ababa airport guide.
Common planning mistakes
- Sending an incomplete passenger list with the permit request
- Changing times without a permit revision
- Arriving at a hub peak without a confirmed slot
- Assuming Avgas is available
FAQs: Cairo International Airport
What is the airport code for Cairo?
The IATA code is CAI. The ICAO code is HECA.
How far is Cairo airport from the city centre?
About 15 km from central Cairo.
Is Cairo International Airport open 24 hours?
Yes. Still confirm handling and slots for your ETA.
Which terminal does EgyptAir use?
Terminal 3, the largest terminal, serves EgyptAir and its alliance partners.
Do private flights need a permit to land in Cairo?
Yes. Foreign private and charter flights need an ECAA permit.
Need 24/7 flight support in Kenya or across Africa?
AAES supports permits, flight planning, dispatch, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling, cargo support and concierge services.
Email: sales@aaes.aero
Phone: +254 725 284 509