In fact, Luxor International Airport (IATA: LXR, ICAO: HELX) is the main airport serving the city of Luxor, Egypt. It is 6 km (4 miles) east of the city. Many charter airlines use the airport, as it is a popular tourist destination for those visiting the River Nile and the Valley of the Kings.

Facilities of Luxor International Airport 

In 2005, Luxor International Airport upgraded to accommodate up to 8 million passengers a year. Facilities for passengers include 48 check-in desks, 8 gates, 5 baggage claim belts, a post office, a bank, a Bureau de change, an auto exchange machine (CIB). In addition to restaurants, cafeterias, a VIP Lounge, a duty-free shop, a newsagent/tobacconist, a chemist shop, a gift shop, a travel agency, a tourist help desk, car rental, first aid, a baby/parent Room, disabled access/facilities and a business centre.

Facilities for cargo include refrigerated storage, animal quarantine, livestock handling, health officials, X-Ray equipment, and fumigation equipment. The cargo terminal handling agent for the airport is EgyptAir Cargo.

Luxor International Airport

In fact, Luxor International Airport (LXR) is an entry point for the popular tourist destination of the Nile Valley. This is the closest airport to the renowned Valley of the Kings, which is situated just south of Luxor, and is currently Egypt’s fourth-biggest airport.

The airport has recently been upgraded to meet the needs of the growing air traffic and has been designed to handle some seven million passengers annually, being currently used by around 2.5 million. Luxor Airport covers around 740 acres / 300 hectares and features just one runway and comprehensive cargo storage. EgyptAir and AMC are currently amongst the main airlines.

Accidents and incidents

• On 21 September 1987. An EgyptAir Airbus A300 crashed on landing during a training flight, killing all five crew members on board.
• Secondly, On 6 April 1994, a Sudan Airways Boeing 737-200 was hijacked and diverted to Luxor. In fact, Upon landing, the hijacker surrendered to the authorities. There were no fatalities or injuries and the aircraft not damaged.
• Lastly, On 20 February 2009, an Antonov An-12 crashed after an engine caught fire on take-off. All five crew died.