Roberta Aguirre
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH/HESH) is located 11 miles northeast of the Sharm El Sheikh resort. The airport has two passenger terminals, with a third terminal planned to be constructed by 2015, though construction had not commenced by September 2016. The airport is known for its dirty facilities and disorganization, with long waits and unnecessary security checks. However, it serves as a gateway to the stunning natural beauty, recreational activities, and rich cultural experiences that Sharm El Sheikh has to offer. Visitors are attracted to the area for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, and other water sports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sharm El Sheikh International Airport |
| Airport Code | SSH/HESH |
| Location | 11 miles to the North-East of the Sharm El Sheikh resort |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Transport | Taxis, minibuses, private transfers, car rentals |
| Airlines | EgyptAir Express, TUI Airways, TUI UK, Rossiya Airlines, Flash Airlines |
| Destinations | Cairo, Paris, Birmingham, Bristol, Verona, Hurghada, Antalya |
| Flight Duration from Birmingham | 5 hours 30 minutes |
| Distance from Birmingham | 2,517 miles |
| Attractions | Red Sea beaches, Ras Mohammed National Park, Tiran Island, Naama Bay, St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai |
| Activities | Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, glass-bottom boat tours, desert safaris, quad biking |
| Cuisine | Local Egyptian, International |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
The airport offers a range of transportation options, including taxis, minibuses, private transfers, and car rentals. Taxi ranks are located next to Terminal 1 and are available 24/7. It is recommended to agree on the fare before setting off. Minibuses provide a public bus service, picking up and dropping off passengers on-demand rather than at designated stops.
Sharm El Sheikh is a popular destination for tourists, known for its beautiful Red Sea beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. It is a top spot for diving and snorkelling and other water sports. The area also offers desert safaris, quad biking in the Sinai Desert, and cultural experiences with the local Bedouin people.
In October 2015, Metrojet Flight 9268 crashed in the Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board. This led to a significant decrease in passenger numbers and flight suspensions to the airport due to safety concerns. However, in recent years, there has been a resumption of flights to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, with airlines such as EgyptAir Express and TUI AG announcing their return.
Tenerife's Main Gateway: Las Americas Airport Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport location and transport
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH/HESH) is located 11 miles northeast of the Sharm El Sheikh resort. The airport has two passenger terminals, with a third terminal planned to be constructed by 2015. However, as of September 2016, construction had not commenced.
The airport can be reached by taxi, with taxi ranks located next to Terminal 1, available 24/7. It is recommended to agree on the fare before setting off. Minibuses providing a public bus service can also be found at Terminal 1, picking up and dropping off passengers on demand rather than at designated stops. The journey to the centre of Sharm El Sheikh typically takes around 15 minutes.
For a more personalised experience, private transfers and car rentals are available.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport offers a range of destinations, including cities in Italy, Germany, Morocco, and India, the United Kingdom, and Russia.
Croatia's Main Aviation Hub: The Country's Largest Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airport facilities and security
Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) has two terminals: the recently built Terminal 1, which handles most traffic, and the older Terminal 2, which serves domestic routes. In 2008, plans were announced to build a third terminal to double the airport's capacity from 7.5 to 15 million passengers per year, with construction scheduled to be completed by 2015. However, by September 2016, construction had not commenced.
The airport offers various facilities and services for travellers, including:
- ATMs/Cash Machines: 24-hour ATMs are available throughout the airport, providing convenient access to cash for travellers.
- Currency Exchange: Currency exchange offices and bank counters are located in Terminal 1, allowing passengers to exchange money before their trips.
- Duty-Free and Shopping: The airport has several duty-free shops and a range of souvenir, retail, and bazaar shops, offering a variety of products for travellers' needs and last-minute purchases.
- Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are available landside in the departure area, providing an additional layer of protection for travellers' belongings.
- Lounges: There are lounges in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 that can be accessed by purchasing a lounge pass or through lounge membership programs. These lounges offer a space to relax or work and may provide additional amenities.
- Food Options: The airport provides 24-hour food options, ensuring that travellers can purchase meals or snacks at any time during their layover or before their departure.
- Nearby Hotels: For travellers with longer layovers or those who prefer not to sleep in the airport, there are nearby hotels such as the Hilton Sharks Bay Resort and Jaz Sharks Bay, offering comfortable accommodations and shuttle services.
- WiFi and Mobile Charging Points: Travellers can stay connected and charge their electronic devices using the available WiFi and mobile charging points throughout the airport.
In terms of security, Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport has undergone significant enhancements. Following the downing of Metrojet Flight 9268 in October 2015, the UK government advised against all travel to and from the airport and implemented a flight ban due to safety concerns. However, after a comprehensive overhaul of security procedures, the UK lifted the flight ban in October 2019, indicating improved security measures and protocols at the airport.
Hawks Cay Resort: Which Airport is Best?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airlines that fly to Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is the third-busiest airport in Egypt, located just ten miles northeast of the city. The airport mostly caters to international carriers and chartered flights, with only one domestic flight operating from EgyptAir.
There are no direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh from the UK. However, there are several airlines that offer one or two-stop routes. These include:
- Pegasus Airlines: This is the most popular airline for this route, offering 397 connecting flights per week from London Stansted Airport (STN) to Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH).
- TUI Airways: Offering 6 non-stop and 3 connecting flights per week from London Stansted Airport (STN) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
- Wizz Air: Operating 115 connecting flights per week from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and London Luton Airport (LTN).
- Turkish Airlines: Providing 107 connecting flights per week from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Heathrow Airport (LHR).
- British Airways: Offering 2 non-stop flights per week from Heathrow Airport (LHR) via Milan.
- EasyJet: The most popular for non-stop flights, with 12 non-stop flights per week from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and London Luton Airport (LTN).
- Ryanair: Flies from London Stansted Airport (STN) via Milan.
It is worth noting that the peak season in Sharm El Sheikh lasts from April to October, with the highest prices typically in August. The cheapest month to fly is usually January, with prices expected to be half that of the summer months.
East Midlands Airport: Nottingham's Gateway to the World?
You may want to see also
Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH/HESH) is located in Egypt, on the Sinai Peninsula. The coastal town boasts impressive nature and is a great winter destination, with temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius in December.
Explore the Underwater World
Ras Mohammed National Park is a famous diving spot, located about an hour’s drive from Sharm El Sheikh. It has been voted the most beautiful diving spot in the world several times and is a great place for snorkelling, too. The site is known for its colourful and diverse marine life. Be sure to book a good excursion, and remember to use eco-friendly sunscreen that is not harmful to the environment.
Dine with the Bedouins
Take a jeep tour and blast Arabic music as you drive through the desert. You can also dine with the Bedouins and experience their culture and hospitality.
Visit the Hippie Village of Dahab
Dahab is about an hour’s drive from Sharm El Sheikh and is known for its laid-back vibe and kite surfing. The town has many good waterfront restaurants, such as Ali Baba and Tim’s Munch. Dahab is also a famous diving and snorkelling spot, with the Blue Hole being a notable attraction.
Saint Catharine’s Monastery
In the middle of the Sinai Desert stands the oldest and most important monastery in the world. Saint Catharine’s Monastery, founded in the 6th century, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is located at the foot of Mount Moses, where, according to the Bible, Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.
SOHO Square
SOHO Square is a shopping and entertainment complex that offers something for all ages. It features a dancing fountain, a ball pit, slides at the Kids’ Zone, and souvenir shops.
Arriving Early: Navigating Airport Arrival Times Efficiently
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
SSH/HESH.
The airport is located 11 miles to the North-East of the Sharm El Sheikh resort.
It takes around 15 minutes to drive into the centre of Sharm El Sheikh from the airport.
Yes, there are direct flights to Sharm El Sheikh from Birmingham, Bristol and London Gatwick.
Sharm El Sheikh is known for its stunning Red Sea beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It's a popular destination for diving and snorkelling and other water sports. You can also take a desert safari, visit local markets or enjoy the nightlife in Naama Bay.
