The hub of EgyptAir and second largest airport in Africa, Cairo International Airport is situated in the Cairo suburb of Heliopolis. It's around 15 kilometres north of central Cairo and has three terminals. Taxis are readily available outside the airport and can be taken into the city or towards the Great Pyramids of Giza.

EgyptAir and all Star Alliance airlines operate out of the new Terminal 3. Terminal 1 houses other airlines and the recently reopened Terminal 2 has increased capacity for landing the largest Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Non-Star Alliance airlines are now split across Terminals 1 and 2. All terminals have ATM and money exchange facilities, a variety of shops and restaurants, plus immigration and customs facilities.

A line of taxis waits outside each of the terminals and journeys into Cairo City Centre are very reasonably priced. There's also a public bus that travels between the airport and the Egyptian Museum. It's also possible to travel directly to Alexandria on an air-conditioned express bus. Allow additional time for the transfer back to Cairo International Airport if travelling during the rush-hour morning or afternoon times.

The airport was established as a military base during World War II and started commercial operations in 1963. It has developed in a major hub for travel in both Africa and the Middle East.