CAI Airport Live Departures

Checking in at Cairo Airport

Checking in at Cairo Airport starts with identifying which terminal to go to. There are three passenger terminals and one seasonal terminal. Typically, your airline will notify you during the booking process. Alternatively, you can check the live Cairo Airport departures board online or the screens at the airport as you enter Terminal 1. Fortunately, all three terminals at CAI Airport are within walking distance, so changing terminals doesn’t take long. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected via a passenger bridge. 

Once you’ve identified where your airline desk is, you can check in, drop off your bags, and collect your boarding pass. In some cases, you can go straight to security if you’ve checked in online and are only carrying hand luggage, but verify this with your airline. You can check out our board above for the latest Cairo Airport Departures today.

Terminal 1 – Check-in is located in Hall 1.

Terminal 2 – Check-in is located on Level 1. 

Terminal 3 – Departures is located on Level 1.

When to arrive at Cairo Airport?

It is recommended that Cairo Airport departures arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight. This is because there are fewer departure procedures, and you’ll likely be transiting one of the smaller Terminals (1 and 2). If you’re flying internationally, head to the airport at least three hours before your flight to ensure you have enough time to get through security. All three of the main terminals handle domestic, regional, and international departures from Cairo International Airport.

What’s next?

Once you’ve checked in and dropped your bags off at your airline’s check-in desk, you’ll be given a boarding pass. This may be checked at the security checkpoint. If your boarding pass is on your phone, make sure you have it to hand before you get to security. 

To avoid delays at security screening, check the list of forbidden items indicated on the Cairo Airport website. These include illegal drugs, flammable and corrosive items, and frozen items of any kind. You’ll need to remove items that can trigger the metal detectors, including belts, cellphones, laptops, tablets, coins, keys, watches, and jewelry, and place them in a tray on the security conveyor belt. In some cases, you may be prompted to remove your shoes if they cover your ankles. You should also remove any outerwear and place it in a tray. 

Liquids, gels, aerosols, and creams cannot be in containers larger than 100ml or 3.5 fluid ounces each. Then, place your liquids in a clear resealable bag no larger than 1 liter in volume. This bag should be removed from your hand luggage and placed in a tray before screening. 

After passing through the security checkpoint, follow the path to the Cairo Airport Departures lounge.

What to do in Departures at Cairo Airport?

Cairo International Airport departures is comfortable and full of shops and restaurants to keep you nourished and entertained, regardless of the terminal you’re flying from. They all have many oilers, accessible toilets, free Wi-Fi, ample seating, ATMs, and currency exchange services. 

At Terminal 1, you’ll find restaurants serving hot and cold food 24 hours. Newsagents and electronics stores are also available. 

Terminal 2 is the smallest of the three, but there is still a café and restaurant, as well as a newsagent.

Cairo Airport Terminal 3 departures is the largest with many eateries and shops to peruse while you wait for your flight.

All three terminals have VIP Lounges, which you can access for the fee of $50 (€44). If you’re flying first or business class, and/or are a member of Priority Pass, you can enter the VIP lounges for free. You’re entitled to stay for up to three hours before your flight.

Check out our comprehensive Cairo Airport Guide for more details about what you can find at the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive at Cairo Airport?

If you are traveling internationally from Cairo Airport, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours before your flight. Cairo Airport wait times vary widely. If you’re traveling domestically, 2 hours should be enough.

Which airlines use Terminal 3 at Cairo Airport?

Olivia De Santos

Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.