Low-rise terminal and apron at Massawa International Airport on Eritrea's Red Sea coast under golden-hour desert light

Airport

Massawa International Airport (MSW)

Massawa International Airport (MSW) is a gateway to Massawa and Eritrea's Northern Red Sea region. Compare transfer options to Massawa's old town, Gurgusum Beach, Asmara and other Red Sea coastal destinations.

Passengers

Luggage

About Massawa International Airport

Massawa International Airport (IATA: MSW, ICAO: HHMS) is located in Massawa, a port city in Eritrea's Northern Red Sea region. It is one of Eritrea's major airports and serves as a gateway to the Red Sea coast, alongside Asmara International Airport.

The airport dates back to the Italian colonial period, when it opened in 1935 under the name Aeroporto internazionale di Massaua. After being destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt at a nearby location and enlarged as Massawa International Airport. Today it has a single terminal and one concrete runway.

Located around 10 km northwest of central Massawa, the airport is reached by road and connects the city to Asmara, approximately 107 km inland via the P-1 road. Ground transport options include taxis and private transfers, with onward road connections to nearby Red Sea destinations.

Passenger facilities are modest but provide essential services within the terminal. The airport mainly handles domestic flights and occasional international or charter services, and travelers should check schedules and local transport arrangements in advance.

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Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Massawa International Airport operates passenger services through a single terminal building and has one concrete runway. The terminal handles the airport's small number of scheduled and charter flights.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Massawa International Airport

Transfers

Book private transfers from Massawa International Airport to hotels in Massawa, the old town, Gurgusum Beach and other Red Sea coast destinations.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a professional chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from Massawa International Airport, business meetings, port visits or journeys around Massawa and the Northern Red Sea region.

Car Rental

Rent a car at Massawa International Airport for independent travel around Massawa and onward journeys to Asmara and other destinations in Eritrea.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between Massawa International Airport, hotels, event venues and other destinations in the Northern Red Sea region.