Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, your gateway to the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea and the enchanting deserts of the Sinai Peninsula, offers its guests the best services. There are two terminals at the airport. Terminal 1 opened on May 23, 2007. This terminal serves approximately 5 million passengers annually. Terminal 2 is mainly used for charter flights and domestic flights.
Terminal 1 Floor Plans: Arrivals and Departures
The floor plan of the airport is quite simple.
Arrivals Ground Floor: After your flight lands, passport control, visa procedures, and baggage claim areas are all located on the ground floor of the terminal buildings. After collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you can exit the terminal. Transportation options are available outside the terminal.
Departures First Floor: When your vacation is over and it’s time to head home, head to the first floor of the terminals. Check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and security checkpoints are located on this floor. After passing through security and passport control, you will enter a large hall with flight gates, duty-free shops, and food and beverage areas.
Check-in and Baggage Drop-off
The check-in counters at Terminal 1 are lined up in wide corridors. Here you can quickly take care of your ticket and baggage procedures. There is a separate section for charter flights. Baggage tagging machines are located next to the check-in counters. Digital signs above each counter indicate which gate each flight is headed to. There are also priority service counters at the airport for passengers with disabilities and special needs.
Security and Passport Control
After check-in, you must pass through security control. Security checkpoints are equipped with international standard scanning devices and metal detectors. Security checks are carried out thoroughly here. The passport control area is equipped with electronic passport readers, allowing you to complete the process quickly. The airport also has priority lanes for families, allowing passengers with infants or elderly companions to complete the process without having to wait in long lines.
Duty-Free and Shopping
You can spend your time before your flight enjoying shopping at Duty-Free stores. You can find many international brands, from perfumes and cosmetics to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, at these stores. There are also small shops selling souvenirs unique to Egypt, local handicrafts, and spices in the terminal building. You should definitely visit these shops to bring back memories of your vacation to your loved ones or add new pieces to your collection.
Restaurants and Cafes
There are many dining options at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. When you are hungry or want to take a coffee break, you can choose from the alternatives here. For a quick snack, you can order sandwiches and salads from international fast-food chains. There are restaurants at the airport that serve local dishes such as falafel and koshari from Egyptian cuisine. You can also grab a quick snack or drink from the self-service buffets. These venues, located both before and after security, offer a variety of snacks and fresh fruit and vegetable juices for those in a hurry. They cater to all tastes and budgets.
VIP Lounges
If you want to wait for your flight in a quiet and comfortable environment away from the crowds, you can wait in the VIP Lounge areas at the airport. These lounges usually offer free services to business class passengers or special membership card holders. Other passengers can also access the lounge areas for a fee. Inside, you will find free internet access, comfortable seats, and a wide selection of snacks and drinks. If you are looking for a quiet corner to work or a peaceful area to relax, you can wait for your flight in these lounges.
Banking and Currency Exchange
If you have arrived without Egyptian Pounds, there is no need to worry. There are numerous currency exchange offices and ATMs on both the arrival and departure floors of the airport. You can easily withdraw money or exchange your currency for local currency at these locations. It is recommended to have some local currency on hand, especially upon first arrival in the country, for taxis or small expenses.
Car Rental
If you want to explore Sharm El Sheikh and its surroundings at your own pace, you can rent a car at the airport. You can find the offices of many car rental companies together in the arrivals terminal. Choose the car that best suits your vacation plans and discover the hidden beauties of the Sinai Peninsula at your own pace. To get the best prices and guarantee the model you want, you should rent your car before your trip. With your rental car, you can visit not only the city but also nearby areas such as Dahab and Nuweiba.
Communication and Internet
Internet access is available at Sharm El Sheikh Airport. Passengers can use the Wi-Fi service free of charge for a certain period of time. For a longer and uninterrupted internet connection, you can purchase a local SIM card from the telecommunications company stands located on the arrivals floor. These SIM cards allow you to use the internet at an affordable price and stay in touch throughout your vacation.
Health Services and Pharmacy
There is a medical center open 24/7 at Sharm El Sheikh Airport. You can receive professional medical assistance for minor injuries, headaches, or stomach issues. Additionally, there is a small pharmacy at the airport where you can find basic medications, pain relievers, band-aids, and other medical supplies. Remember to always carry any medications you regularly use in your carry-on luggage.