Lost and Found in Egypt Airports: A Complete Guide for Travelers
Losing a bag, a passport, or a phone at an airport is stressful. In a foreign country, it can feel overwhelming. This guide explains what to do if you lose something at an Egyptian airport, where to go, and who to contact.
Most lost items are recovered within 48 hours, as long as you report them quickly and to the right office. The key is knowing which office handles which type of item — airline, airport authority, or customs. We'll walk you through all of it.
Quick Overview: What to Do First
If you've just realized you lost something, follow these steps in order:
- Return to the terminal. If you're still at the airport, go back to the arrivals hall or the terminal where you last had the item.
- Report to the airline desk first. Airlines handle items left on their planes or at their gates. This is the most common place for lost items to be recovered.
- Report to the airport Lost and Found office. Each terminal has one. Ask any airport staff member for directions.
- File an online report if you've already left. The airport website has a Lost and Found form you can fill in remotely.
- Contact your embassy. If you lost your passport, contact your country's embassy in Cairo or your nearest consulate.
- Leave a contact number. Give the airport a WhatsApp-reachable phone number and email so they can reach you quickly.
Now let's look at each airport in Egypt and its specific Lost and Found contacts.
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Cairo International Airport is the largest in Egypt and handles the most international traffic. It has three main terminals (T1, T2, T3), and each one has its own Lost and Found office.
Lost and Found Office Locations
- Terminal 1: Arrivals hall, ground floor, next to the information desk.
- Terminal 2: Departures hall, near the airline counters.
- Terminal 3: Arrivals hall, first floor.
Contact Numbers
- Cairo Airport Information: +20 2 2265 5000
- Terminal 1 Lost and Found: +20 2 2265 5000 (Ext. 1)
- Terminal 3 Lost and Found: +20 2 2265 5000 (Ext. 3)
What to Bring When You Report
- Your boarding pass or flight number.
- A photo ID (passport or ID card).
- A description of the item and where you last saw it.
- Your contact information (phone with WhatsApp and email).
Reporting an Item After You've Left
You can also file a report online through the Cairo Airport official website. Fill in the Lost and Found form with your flight details and a description of the lost item. Response time is usually 24 to 48 hours.
Passport or Travel Document Lost at Cairo Airport
Contact your embassy immediately. The airport police can help verify your identity for a temporary travel document, but only your embassy can issue it. Bring a police report from the airport station if possible.
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Sphinx International Airport (SPX)
Sphinx International Airport serves western Cairo and the Greater Giza area, including the Pyramids. It's smaller than Cairo International, but Lost and Found procedures are the same.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Main terminal, arrivals area, next to the customs desk.
Contact Numbers
- Sphinx Airport Hotline: +20 2 3531 6900
- Alternative Numbers: +20 2 3539 1580 / +20 2 3539 1900
- Airport Email: info@airportsphinx.com
How to Report
Ask any information desk for the Lost and Found office. If you've already left the airport, contact the airport authority through their official website. Response times are usually within 24 hours.
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Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), Alexandria
Borg El Arab Airport is the main airport serving Alexandria. It handles international traffic from Europe and the Gulf.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Main terminal, arrivals hall, near passport control.
Contact Numbers
- Borg El Arab Airport: +20 3 448 6666
- Alexandria Airport Information: +20 3 448 6666
What to Know
Borg El Arab is a smaller airport, so if you lose an item, the response is often quicker than at larger airports. Most items left on planes are returned to the airline's desk within hours.
If you've lost a passport, contact your embassy in Cairo. Borg El Arab itself doesn't host embassies.
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Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport is one of the busiest in Egypt, especially during the winter season. It has two main terminals.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, both in the arrivals halls.
Contact Numbers
- Sharm El-Sheikh Airport: +20 69 360 1000
- Terminal 1 Lost and Found: +20 69 360 1000 (Ext. 1)
What to Know
Most lost items at Sharm El-Sheikh are found on the planes or in the arrival halls. If you've already left the airport, file an online report through the airport's official website.
Lost items at hotels or resorts in Sharm El-Sheikh should be reported to the hotel reception first, not the airport.
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Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
Hurghada International Airport serves the Red Sea region and handles heavy seasonal traffic from Europe. There are three terminals.
Lost and Found Office Location
- All three terminals, in the arrivals areas.
Contact Numbers
- Hurghada Airport: +20 65 341 8415
- Airport Information: +20 65 341 8415
What to Know
Report any items lost on the plane directly to the airline desk in the arrivals hall. The airport Lost and Found office handles items lost in the terminal building or on the shuttle buses.
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Luxor International Airport (LXR)
Luxor International Airport is smaller and mainly handles tourists visiting the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. The Lost and Found process here is quick.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Main terminal, arrivals hall, near the exit.
Contact Numbers
- Luxor Airport: +20 95 237 4533
- Airport Information: +20 95 237 4533
What to Know
Luxor's airport staff is helpful and the volume of lost items is lower than Cairo or Sharm. Most items are returned within 24 hours if reported quickly.
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Aswan International Airport (ASW)
Aswan International Airport serves southern Egypt, including the temples of Abu Simbel and the Nubian villages.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Main terminal, arrivals area.
Contact Numbers
- Aswan Airport: +20 97 231 5555
- Airport Information: +20 97 231 5555
What to Know
Aswan is a small airport. If you lose something, ask at the information desk right away. Most items are recovered within a day.
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Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)
Marsa Alam International Airport serves the southern Red Sea region, known for diving and quiet resorts.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Main terminal, arrivals hall.
Contact Numbers
- Marsa Alam Airport: +20 65 370 0007
- Airport Information: +20 65 370 0007
What to Know
Report items lost on planes to the airline desk. The airport handles items left in the terminal and on shuttle buses.
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Taba International Airport (TCP)
Taba International Airport serves the northern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and the border crossing to Israel and Jordan.
Lost and Found Office Location
- Main terminal, arrivals area.
Contact Numbers
- Taba Airport: +20 69 353 0250
- Airport Information: +20 69 353 0250
What to Know
Taba is a small airport with limited traffic. Lost items are usually returned quickly. For items lost after crossing the border, contact the airport authority in the country you're in.
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What to Do if You Lost Your Passport at an Egyptian Airport
This is the most serious type of loss. Follow this order:
- Report to the airport police immediately. File a formal report. You'll need this for your embassy.
- Contact your embassy in Cairo. Only your embassy can issue a temporary travel document (Emergency Travel Document or ETD).
- Bring your report and ID. You'll need a police report, two passport photos, and any copy of your passport you may have.
- Notify your airline. They may need to rebook your flight if the ETD process takes time.
Most embassies in Cairo can issue an ETD within 24 to 72 hours. European and American embassies are usually faster.
Tips to Avoid Losing Items at Egyptian Airports
- Keep your passport in a secure pocket or neck pouch. Not in your carry-on, and not in the seat pocket of the plane.
- Take a photo of your luggage before you travel. This makes reporting lost items much faster.
- Label your bags inside and outside. Include your name, phone number, and email.
- Count your bags at every stage. At check-in, at security, at the gate, and at baggage claim.
- Keep electronics with you, not in the checked bag. Laptops, phones, and chargers are the most commonly lost items.
- Use a tracking tag (AirTag or Tile) inside your checked luggage. It helps airlines locate your bag quickly if it's delayed or lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover a lost item at an Egyptian airport?
Most items are recovered within 24 to 48 hours if reported quickly. Items lost on planes are usually returned to the airline desk within hours.
Is there a Lost and Found office at every Egyptian airport?
Yes. Every international airport in Egypt has a Lost and Found office. Smaller airports may share a single office for all terminals.
Can I report a lost item online?
Yes. Most Egyptian airports have an online Lost and Found form on their official websites. Response time is usually 24 to 48 hours.
What happens if I lose my passport at the airport?
Report to the airport police immediately. Then contact your embassy in Cairo — only they can issue a temporary travel document.
Do I need to pay to recover a lost item?
No. Lost and Found services at Egyptian airports are free. However, if you need the item shipped to you abroad, shipping costs apply.
What if I lost an item in a taxi or a private transfer?
Contact the transfer company directly. If you booked a transfer with us, message us on WhatsApp and we'll coordinate with the driver.
What if the lost item is valuable, like jewelry or cash?
Report it to the airport police immediately and file a formal report. Recovery chances are lower for valuables, but airlines and airports keep records for 30 to 90 days before disposing of unclaimed items.
Arriving in Egypt? Let Us Handle Your Transfer
If you've just landed and need a ride to your hotel, we can help. We provide private transfers from every major Egyptian airport with professional English-speaking drivers, air-conditioned cars, and fixed prices.
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