Travel through Alexandria is about to feel a little different, at least on paper. Borg El Arab International Airport, the main airport serving Egypt’s coastal city, won’t be called that for much longer. From 4 September 2025, it will officially become Alexandria International Airport.
Borg El Arab Airport To Take On Alexandria’s Name In September
إعادة تسمية مطار برج العرب الدولي ليكون الاسم الجديد مطار الأسكندرية الدولي حيث يدخل القرار حيذ التنفيذ يوم 4 سبتمبر ، وسيكون رمز الايكاو الجديد لمطار الأسكندرية الدولي HEAX بدلا من HEBA بينما رمز الإياتا الجديد للمطار هو ALY بدلا من HBE .يذكر ان الرمز ALY يعود الى مطار النزهة
— تعبٱن آكابتن (@A7MD_SIMO) August 17, 2025
The announcement came from the Alexandria Governorate, together with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. And while a name change might not sound like a big deal, it comes with another shift: the airport’s international code. The familiar HEBA will disappear, replaced by HEAX. Those four letters are used everywhere in aviation, from baggage tags to flight plans. So airlines worldwide will have to update their systems.
Authorities explained the update is part of a larger strategy to modernise Egypt’s airports. It’s also a branding move. Calling the facility “Alexandria International” ties it directly to the city, highlighting its place as a historic and touristic hub rather than a lesser-known suburb.
Although the name is changing, the airport itself isn’t new. Opened in 2010, Borg El Arab was built to replace the old El Nouzha Airport. Since then, it’s become the main entry point not just for Alexandria but also for the North Coast and the Nile Delta.
The airport is about 40 kilometres east of Alexandria, which makes it the obvious choice for visitors heading to the Mediterranean resorts or locals returning home. For many, it’s also far more convenient than driving down to Cairo.
Passenger Growth
The numbers tell the story of its importance. In 2023, more than two million passengers moved through the terminal, with close to 17,000 flights arriving or departing. The airport handles a mix of domestic routes inside Egypt and international services linking the country to cities across the Middle East and Europe.
For travellers in the northern governorates, it’s a lifeline. Without it, Cairo would carry an even bigger load than it already does.
Also Read: Egypt: Visit Museums & Sites In Alexandria For Free
Beyond Tourism
It’s not only about holidaymakers with suitcases. The airport also has a role in air cargo, helping local businesses get goods to market. Officials say the rebranding could make Alexandria more attractive to airlines and logistics companies, which means better connectivity and stronger trade links in the long run.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia/Felekmaster
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.
First Published: August 22, 2025 12:51 PM
