Sphinx International Airport Departures

When arriving at Sphinx Airport by car, you can follow the ‘SPX’ signs on the airport road to the intersections directed to the Arrivals and Departures entrances directly in front of the main terminal building. When you arrive at the terminal, you can enter the ‘Drop-off’ area reserved for your vehicles and make a quick drop-off and pick-up. It is forbidden to wait in this area, you can only wait 2-3 minutes. The Departures area at Sphinx Airport (SPX) is on the upper floor of the terminal building.

How can I drop off passengers at Sphinx Airport Departures Terminal?

When you reach the terminal entrance by following the Arrival directions at Sphinx Airport, the ‘Departures’ Departures signs direct you directly to the drop-off lane in front of the single-storey terminal building. Vehicle stopping in this area is limited to a maximum of 3 minutes. Sensors on the lane and patrolling security personnel constantly control the waiting time. You must drop off the passenger from this area and leave immediately. Otherwise, you may be fined for violating the short-term parking ban

If you need to stay at the airport for a longer period of time, you should go to the adjacent Short-Term Parking area. This car park operates on an hourly tariff. The first 30 minutes are free of charge. After parking your car, you can walk 2 minutes to the terminal.

Departures Hall Guidance

Which terminal is the Departures Terminal at Sphinx Airport?

Sphinx Airport has a single terminal building. All operations of both domestic and international flights are carried out in this main terminal. Departures are also carried out on the upper floor of this single terminal, in the area behind the check-in counters and security checkpoints.

When arriving at the airport by car, you can reach the drop-off lane at the terminal entrance by following the ‘Departures’ directions. Then you can use the lifts or escalators inside the terminal to go upstairs.

Check-in counters

At Sphinx Airport, all departure procedures are carried out on the upper floor of the single terminal, in the area immediately behind the check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. Each airline has its own dedicated counters. You should plan your baggage claim taking into account the boarding pass distribution times, which are closed before the flight time.

Each airline has separate rows of counters marked with their own logos. You must go to your airline’s counter to get your boarding pass and drop off your luggage.

Check-in counters open 2 hours before the flight time. It closes 1 hour on domestic flights and 1.5 hours before international flights. These hours may vary according to the way your airline operates. Check the closing time in your flight confirmation email.

There are separate ‘Bag Drop’ lanes at the counters for passengers who have checked in online. These lanes provide fast passage for passengers who will drop off luggage other than cabin baggage.

Baggage drop-off

Right next to each airline counter, there are baggage drop-off counters marked with a ‘Baggage Drop-off’ sign.

Passengers hand in their luggage at these counters after first obtaining their boarding pass from the counter. At the counters there are scales and X-ray devices that check the weight and size of the luggage. Some airlines (e.g. Wizz Air) close baggage claim 40 minutes before the flight time. Payment points and credit card terminals are also available next to the counter for passengers who need to pay extra weight fees at baggage claim. Cash payment is not accepted.

Assistance for passengers with disabled mobility

Sphinx Airport provides a range of services, both airport and airline, to ensure uninterrupted support for passengers with reduced mobility before, during and after their flight. Accessibility is ensured by reserved disabled parking spaces at the terminal entrance and curb ramps at the entrance and exit.

Passengers can receive both transfer and in-terminal orientation support by notifying the relevant airline or airport operator at least 48 hours before their travel to request a wheelchair or companion service. Airport personnel accompany passengers from the terminal gate to the boarding gate with specially trained ‘Meet & Assist’ teams.

Priority passage and electric stair platforms or aircraft stair ramps are used for baggage handling, passport and security clearance.

Other passenger services in the Departures public zone

The Departures section of Sphinx Airport has a range of services and facilities available to all passengers before passing through security control.

On the ground floor of the terminal building, at the intersection of the arrival and departure corridors, is the Information Desk. Here you can get answers to your questions regarding flight details, terminal map or transfer directions. In addition, disabled and special assistance requests are also coordinated here.

The Lost and Found Office, located on the main corridor leading to the security check, is the first point of contact for items you have forgotten on the aircraft or in the terminal.

In the pre-security area, there is a currency exchange office and ATM counters of banks for passengers to meet their last-minute cash needs.

Before proceeding to the Departures area, you can use the counter of the airline you wish to check-in or add baggage claim.

Security at Sphinx Airport Departures

How long does it take to go through Sphinx Airport security?

Sphinx Airport is a relatively small and new airport, but the security checks are quite strict. Passengers usually go through more than one security check. Therefore, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours for domestic flights and at least 3 hours for international flights.

Where is the security checkpoint at Sphinx Exits?

Security checkpoints are located at the entrance of the terminal and in the areas leading to the boarding gates. At the entrance to the terminal, you go through the first security check, then complete your check-in procedures and hand over your luggage. Then, you pass through passport control and a second security screening to reach the boarding gates.

Do I need my boarding pass for Security at Sphinx Airport?

Yes, upon entry to Sphinx Airport, security officers ask to see your boarding pass or flight booking document in order to verify that travellers have a valid flight booking. Therefore, you must have your boarding pass (printed or digital) and passport ready.

Items authorised by Sphinx Airport Security

At Sphinx Airport, general international airport security rules apply. Liquids in your hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml and you must carry all liquids in a transparent, locked bottle. Cutting tools, flammable substances and some electronic devices cannot be carried in hand luggage.

In addition, devices with lithium batteries must generally be carried in hand luggage. For detailed information, you can check the official websites of your airline and the airport.

When passing through the security check at Sphinx International Airport, you are required to pass your belongings through the X-ray device. This process is very important for the safety of both you and other passengers. Here are the things you should pay attention to at this stage:

Your Hand Luggage: You must put all your hand luggage in the X-ray machine.

Electronic Devices: Remove your laptop, tablet and large electronic devices from your bag and place them in a separate tray.

Liquids: Place your liquids not exceeding 100 ml in a transparent, locked container and place them in a separate tray.

Metal Items: Remove mobile phones, keys, coins, belts and other items containing metal and place them in a separate tray. This prevents metal detectors from giving false alarms.

Clothing Items: You may be asked to remove jackets, coats and shoes and pass them through the X-ray machine.

Following the instructions of the officers when going through the security check will help the process go quickly and smoothly.

Security tips based on my experience

Arrive Early: Be at the airport at least 2 hours for domestic flights and at least 3 hours for international flights.
Have Your Documents Ready: Keep your passport, boarding pass and required visas within easy reach.
Follow Fluid Rules: Carry your liquids in a transparent, ziplock bag not exceeding 100 ml.
Electronic Devices: Be prepared to place large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets in a separate tray at the security check.
Clothing: Choose easily removable shoes and metal-free clothing to speed up the security check.

Fast Track Service

Sphinx Airport offers ‘Fast Track’ service for passengers who want to speed up security and passport controls. This service allows passengers to quickly pass check-in, security and passport controls accompanied by a special assistant. The fee for the service starts from 25 USD per person. If you wish to benefit from this service, you must make a reservation in advance.

Passengers-Only Departure Zone Sphinx Airport

As soon as you pass through security, you will enter the Departures ‘Passengers-Only Zone’. Here you will find shops, restaurants, cafés, a VIP lounge and more.

Shops and restaurants

In the Departures area, there are more than 50 shops and 14 restaurants. These shops sell a variety of souvenirs, fashion items and products to meet your travelling needs. Restaurants and cafés serve local and international cuisine. Find out more about Sphinx Airport shops and restaurants .

VIP Lounge

The Pearl Lounge at Sphinx Airport is located between gates 5 and 8, after the security check for international flights. Open 24 hours a day, you can stay in this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours. Children under 2 years old are free of charge. Facilities include a quiet area, children’s play area, prayer room, games room, smoking area, TV, refreshments, air conditioning, newspapers and magazines, flight information screens and Wi-Fi. Check this page for full information about the VIP lounge.

Other Services

In the departure area, basic services such as currency exchange points, ATMs, Wi-Fi access and prayer rooms are available. There is also a special VIP terminal service. This service provides passengers with privileges such as private entrance, check-in and baggage handling with a personal assistant, private security check, private lounge access and transfer to the aircraft by private vehicle.

Passport Control

When you arrive at the airport to depart Giza, the security officer will first check your flight number and passport to see if you can enter the airport. You must then pass your bags through the scanner and metal detector. When you enter the terminal, you should go to the main hall where you will find your airline’s counter. You can get your boarding passes by queuing and showing your passport. Don’t forget to check in online. Otherwise you will have to pay an additional fee.

As with arrival, you must fill in an orange sheet. At the passport control point, your passport and the boarding pass you received earlier are checked again. Here your visa will be stamped. After these procedures, you must go through security control. You can then start waiting at the gate where your flight will be.

Boarding gates

Remember to have your boarding pass and passport with you to show when you board the aircraft. Departure gates are designated points where passengers wait to board their aircraft. At Sphinx Airport, as at other airports, the departure gates are numbered. The departure gates at the airport are equipped with ramps and lift platforms. Passengers with reduced mobility can board their aircraft without any problems.

Sphinx Airport airlines

If you need to contact any airline, we have a page with information (web, phone numbers, etc.) about airlines operating at Sphinx Airport.