Sphinx International Airport (HESX)
Large airport · Al Jiza, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Airport data
| Name | Sphinx International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | HESX |
| IATA | SPX |
| Elevation | 510 ft (155 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 30°6'29" E 30°53'45" 30.10818, 30.89573 |
| Location | Al Jiza, Giza Governorate, Egypt |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16R/34L | 11,975 ft (3650 m) | 197 ft | PEM | Yes |
Sphinx International Airport at a glance
Sphinx International Airport is a large airport in Al Jiza, Giza Governorate, Egypt, known to airline systems as SPX. The field elevation of 510 ft (155 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at HESX are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 16R/34L, offers 11,975 ft (3650 m) of pem surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 16R points roughly 160° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for HESX shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Sphinx International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo West Air Base | HECW | 2 km (1 NM) |
| Almaza Air Force Base | HEAZ | 45 km (24 NM) |
| Cairo International Airport | HECA | 48 km (26 NM) |
| Quesna Airport | HE42 | 57 km (31 NM) |
| Gebel El Basur Air Base | HE28 | 58 km (31 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Sphinx International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 510 ft field elevation of Sphinx International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 33 airports and airfields we list for Egypt — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Sphinx International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Sphinx International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Sphinx International Airport is HESX, and its IATA code is SPX. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Sphinx International Airport above sea level?
Sphinx International Airport sits at an elevation of 510 feet (155 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Sphinx International Airport located?
The airport lies at 30.1082, 30.8957 — in Al Jiza, Giza Governorate, Egypt, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Cairo West Air Base, about 2 km away.
Does HESX publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for HESX appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Sphinx International Airport?
Sphinx International Airport has one runway. The longest, 16R/34L, measures 11,975 ft (3650 m) with a PEM surface.