A terminal for private aviation

Small, calm and direct

A large airport is built around crowds: queues, long corridors and complex security. A private terminal is built around the individual. The route from car to aircraft should be short, private and unhurried, with only the steps that are really needed. At Nouzha, a covered arrival with water and planting leads to a calm reception and lounges that look over the apron.

An old airfield, a new purpose

The concept transforms the site of the former El-Nouzha Airport, which has an aviation history in the city. The idea is to keep that identity while giving it a new purpose, as a dedicated private aviation hub. A site like this is part of a city's memory, and the new building should respect it.

A large airport is built around crowds: queues, long corridors and complex security.
A terminal for private aviation

One roof, one gesture

The terminal's form is a sweeping roof that flows across the building, inspired by movement and flight, and by the Mediterranean setting. Deep overhangs shade the glass and the arrival court, which suits Alexandria's warm climate. A single large gesture is easy to read from the air and from the apron, and it gives the terminal a clear character.

Egyptian character

We use warm natural stone, pierced decorative screens that filter the light, and planting of olive trees and palms, so the terminal belongs to Alexandria and not to an anonymous airport anywhere. Pierced screens in a lounge cast patterned light that feels local and calm. See also Light and Courtyards.

Inside: hospitality, not processing

Where a commercial airport processes people, a private terminal welcomes them. Reception, lounges, a restaurant, private dining and meeting rooms are designed like a fine hotel, with natural materials, soft lighting and views of the aircraft. The staff move through discreet routes, so the service seems effortless. See also Hotels and the sense of arrival.

Air and ground

The building sits between the city and the apron. Public-facing spaces face the landscaped arrival court, and aircraft-facing spaces look out to the apron and hangars. Security, customs and immigration, baggage, fuelling, hangars and maintenance each have their own zone and routes, planned with aviation specialists.

Landscape

Water, palms, olive trees and low walls make the arrival court a garden. The roof also carries planting, so that from above the terminal is green.

Sustainability

Deep shade, daylight, efficient systems and landscaping all reduce the building's impact. Aviation has a significant environmental footprint, and we plan for efficient operation, renewable energy where possible and sensible use of resources, while recognising the limits of what a building can do.

About this design

Nouzha Executive Airport is a concept design, and its images are visualisations (see our Disclaimers). Any real airport needs aviation planning, safety assessment, regulatory approval, environmental studies and specialist engineering.