Complete Guide to Cairo International Airport (CAI) Paid Access Lounges

Cairo International Airport (CAI) serves Cairo and its metropolitan area. It ranks as the busiest airport (by passenger traffic) not just in Egypt but also in Africa, handling over 30 million travelers annually.

CAI is a primary hub for carriers such as EgyptAir and Nile Air, and is a major international gateway connecting travelers to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

There are 7 lounges at Cairo International Airport that travelers can access without airline status or a premium cabin ticket.

This guide covers all pay-per-use options, so you can find the right space for your budget and travel plans.

Cairo International Airport has 3 main passenger terminals plus a Seasonal Terminal. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle most scheduled flights. The Seasonal Terminal is used for seasonal Hajj and Umrah charter traffic.

Terminals 2 and 3 are positioned close to each other. Terminal 1 sits apart from the newer terminal complex, while the Seasonal Terminal is 1 km (0.6 mi) west of Terminal 3.

Domestic and international flights operate from all three main terminals, although airline allocations vary.

Most lounges in this guide are airside, so you generally need to clear security and passport control in the correct terminal before using them.

The Seasonal Terminal is used for pilgrimage flights to and from Saudi Arabia, as well as certain seasonal or specific international operations to alleviate congestion in the main terminals.

There is 1 paid access lounge in this terminal.

All CAC Lounges at Cairo Airport are operated by Plaza Premium in partnership with Egyptian Aviation Services (EAS). The lounge available at the Seasonal Terminal can accommodate up to 30 guests and features all essential amenities.

Note that access is restricted to those on flights departing for Saudi Arabia.

Terminal 3S (Seasonal Terminal), ground floor of the Departure Hall. After passport control, proceed to the second security check. The lounge is located straight ahead, to the left.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Hot and cold food

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary; subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• Prayer/meditation room

• Smoking area

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Plaza Premium offers 3-hour access for US$50 per person.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$50 per adult and per child over the age of 12.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 12 years old are admitted free with an adult; children under 6 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.

Terminal 1 features just 1 paid access lounge, making it a straightforward choice for travelers looking to relax before their flight.

Accessible to travelers on departure (T1) flights only.

The CAC lounge at T1 features a design concept similar to that of a traditional premium hotel. It accommodates up to 130 people.

Terminal 1. The lounge is located on the second floor of the Departure Hall. After passing through Passport Control, proceed straight ahead and take the elevator at the end of the hall to the second floor. The lounge will be directly in front of you.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Hot and cold food

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Workstation

• Smoking area

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Plaza Premium offers 3-hour access for US$50 per person.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$50 per adult, and US$50 per child aged 2-11.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 12 years old are admitted free with an adult.

Terminal 2 offers the largest selection of paid access lounges at Cairo International Airport, with 3 lounges available to travelers.

All lounges in Terminal 2 are accessible to passengers on international flights only.

The Ahlein Emerald Lounge offers a wide range of amenities, including showers and a kids' play area. It has capacity for 250 guests.

Airside, after passport control and security. Take the escalator/elevator to Level 1, and the lounge is on the right.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (extra payment required; subject to availability)

• Kids' play area

• Baby care room

• Wi-Fi

• Luggage storage

• Quiet area

• Smoking room

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$45 per adult, and US$45 per child aged 2-11.

  • This option requires you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free with an adult.

The Ahlein Premium Lounge in T2 offers buffet dining, luggage storage, and paid shower and spa services.

The lounge may be a practical choice for families, as it includes a dedicated family room and children’s play area. Travelers looking to freshen up before departure can also pay to use the shower and spa facilities.

Airside, after security. Turn right before the duty-free area; the lounge is past the Egypt Airways Lounges. International flights only.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Hot and cold food

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower and spa facilities (extra payment required; subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• Massage chairs

• Luggage storage

• Family room

• Kids' play area

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$45 per adult and per child aged 2-11.

  • This option requires you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Passengers flying business/first class or those who are oneworld Sapphire/Emerald members have access to the Ahlein Premium Lounge if they are flying on one of the following airlines:

    • British Airways

    • Royal Air Maroc

    • Qatar Airways

  • Access is available to eligible Star Alliance Gold members and premium cabin passengers traveling on participating Star Alliance airlines.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free with an adult.

This lounge accommodates up to 148 guests and features an array of facilities, including workstations and a dedicated kids' room.

Airside, first floor of the Departure Hall. After passport control, turn right and walk down the corridor to the second security check. After clearing the second security check, the lounge will be on your right.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Workstation

• Prayer room

• Kids' room

• Wi-Fi

• Smoking area

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Plaza Premium offers 3-hour access for US$50 per person.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$50 per adult and per child over the age of 12.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Travel Class or Airline Status:

  • Access is available to eligible Star Alliance Gold members and premium cabin passengers traveling on participating Star Alliance airlines, including EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 12 years old are admitted free with an adult.

Cairo International Airport's Terminal 3 serves both domestic and international flights and is the primary hub for EgyptAir and its Star Alliance partners.

There are 2 paid access lounges at Terminal 3.

This CAC Lounge accommodates up to 147 guests and provides a solid range of amenities.

Airside, third floor of the Departure Hall. After passport control, turn left towards Zone E and proceed to the end of the corridor. International flights only.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Workstation

• Smoking area

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Plaza Premium offers 3-hour access for US$50 per person.

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$50 per adult and per child over the age of 12.

  • These options require you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 are admitted free with an adult.

The Ahlein Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 provides buffet dining, nonalcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, and a smoking area. Its location near Gates F and G makes it most convenient for passengers departing from this part of the terminal.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views across the airport apron, making this lounge a good option for travelers who value natural light and runway views.

Airside, Departures Level, near Gates G and F

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Buffet

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Smoking area

• Runway view

• Flexible Day Pass:

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

  • Lounge Pass offers 3-hour access for US$40 per adult, and US$40 per child aged 2-11.

  • This option requires you to book a time and date in advance.

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge in accordance with their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge for a maximum of 3 hours.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access directly at the reception desk.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free with an adult.

• Best value: CAC Lounge by Plaza Premium & EAS (Terminal 1)

• Cheapest on LoungePair: Ahlein Premium Lounge (T3)

• Best facilities: Ahlein Emerald Lounge (T2)

Cairo International Airport offers 7 paid access lounges, giving travelers several options.

Terminal 1 is home to a single paid access lounge, as is the seasonal terminal, making it the natural choice for departing passengers.

T2 offers the greatest variety, with three lounges catering to different budgets and preferences.

T3 offers 2 paid lounges, both with a well-rounded selection of amenities.

Whether you're looking for the best value, the widest range of facilities, or simply a comfortable place to unwind before boarding, Cairo International Airport has a lounge to suit most travelers. Choosing the right one ultimately depends on the terminal you're departing from and the amenities that matter most to you.