Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport opens new terminal designed by Dar Al-Handasah

Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport opened a new USD70 million terminal designed by Dar Al-Handasah (Shair and Partners).

Inaugurated by Egypt's President Mubarak earlier last month, the two-level 43,000 sqm terminal includes 40 check-in counters and is designed to cater to a large number of international, chartered flights with one domestic and six international gates, which all exit to remote standing.

'We chose Dar Al-Handasah as our architectural/ engineering consultancy because we wanted a terminal as unique as the natural beauty of Sinai and the sunny climate of the Red Sea,' explained Ahmad Shafik, Egypt's Minister of Civil Aviation.

The terminal comprises three building components: two circular-shaped halls fused together by a wedge-shaped intermediate space dubbed 'the boat'. The 'boat' serves as a passenger transit hub housing passport control, duty free, VIP areas and cafes/restaurants. The halls, in stark textural contrast to the solid mass of the 'boat', feature airy, billowing tent-like roofs inspired by the indigenous Beduin culture.

Construction involved state-of-the-art technology and materials, advanced construction processes, and a high level of organization and planning. Throughout, Dar Al-Handasah ensured that the works were executed in conformance with the highest standards in quality, health, safety and environmental measures. Saudi Bin Laden Group carried out the construction, guaranteeing on-time and on-budget completion.

Forming a distinctive topography on the horizon, Sharm El-Sheikh International Terminal is a modern landmark in the land of the Pharaohs, echoing the natural beauty of the Red Sea Riviera and confirming Egypt's status as one of the world's top tourist destinations.