Discover the Egyptian Air Force Museum at Almaza (Cairo) with GMAP reporter Dino van Doorn
Located within the Almaza Air Base in Heliopolis, Cairo, the Egyptian Air Force Museum offers a rich and immersive journey through Egypt’s aviation history—from the humble beginnings of de Havilland biplanes in the 1930s to state-of-the-art jet fighters . Opened in May 2016, it stands as both a national memorial and an educational hub
đź“Ť Location & Visiting Info
- Address: Almaza Airbase, Salah Salem Road, El‑Nozha, Cairo (next to the Military Academy)
- Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 to 15:00, closed on Tuesdays (subject to change)
- Admission: Modest fee; visitors should carry valid ID due to base security protocols. Photographers pay an extra fee for taking pictures and video is not allowed
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
Museum Layout & Highlights
- Hall of Martyrs
A solemn tribute displaying portraits and names of pilots and air force heroes who sacrificed their lives across Egypt’s military history. This emotionally powerful exhibit emphasizes national reverence and remembrance.
- Hall of Historical Origins
This section tells the story of Egypt’s aviation foundation:
- The 1928 parliamentary motion leading to the air force’s creation
- Training of the first three Egyptian pilots in the UK
- Arrival of the first de Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft at Almaza in May 1932
Interactive elements and murals illustrate early milestones and national ambition.
- Aircraft Collection
The museum showcases an expansive outdoor and indoor display of aircraft, including:
- Vintage biplanes like the Tiger Moth
- Soviet-era jets: MiG‑15, MiG‑17, MiG‑19, MiG‑21
- Cold War heavy bombers: Tupolev Tu‑16 (KS variant with AS‑1 missile)
- More modern fighters: Mirage 5E2, F‑4E Phantom II, and the quintessential American-built F‑16 Fighting Falcon.
The displays emphasize the evolution of the EAF and its changing international partnerships.
Egypt Almaza museum
| Plane type | Registration | Cn |
|---|---|---|
| An-2 | 950 | 113547319 |
| BT-13A | 1 | |
| Gomhouria Mk.8 | 100 | |
| Gomhouria Mk.6 | 383 | |
| F-4E | 7827 | 3048 |
| F-16D | 9873 | BD-35 |
| UH-12E | 3101 | 5189 |
| HA.200 | 200 | |
| HA.300 | 300 | |
| Il-14P | ... | |
| K-8 | .../1 | |
| L-29 | 1501 | 691802 |
| Mi-4 | 10 | |
| Mi-6 | 801 | 720848 |
| Mi-8T | 988 | |
| MiG-15UTI | 1901 | |
| MiG-17F | 2001 | |
| MiG-19S | 3024 | |
| MiG-21F-13 | 5001 | |
| MiG-21PFM | 8301 | |
| Mirage 5E2 | 9170 | |
| PZL 104-35A | ... | |
| SA.342L | 3367 | 2057 |
| Su-7BMK | 7001 | |
| Su-17K | 7751 | |
| Tu-16 | 4012 | 63400704 |
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
- Conflict Galleries
Special exhibits focus on significant conflicts:
- 1948 Arab–Israeli War – early engagements of the newly formed air force
- 1956 Suez Crisis – losses and the introduction of Soviet MiG and Il-28 aircraft
- 1967 Six‑Day War & War of Attrition – devastating losses followed by rebuilding under Air Marshal Madkour Abu El‑Ezz
- 1973 October War (Yom Kippur War) – detailed coverage of the celebrated air strike campaign and the longest air battle near El‑Mansoura.
Multimedia presentations, artifacts, and simulated war scenarios bring these moments to life.
- Education & Interactive Features
Families and youth are especially engaged through:
- A 3D cinema screening the October War
- A Tu‑16 flight simulator, offering aerial views of Egyptian landmarks from the cockpit.
- A museum library offering books and research materials on Egyptian aviation history
By visiting the Egyptian Air Force Museum at Almaza, travelers experience an unforgettable slice of Egypt’s heritage. From humble beginnings in 1932 to modern jet power, the museum brings history alive—and connects each visitor with the stories of the “guardians of the sky.” Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a cultural explorer, this museum ranks among Cairo’s most inspiring attractions.
