Berenice International Airport / Banas Cape Air Base

Berenice International Airport, serving the remote Red Sea coastal town of Berenice Troglodytica, is a modest facility with a distinctly military character thanks to its shared role as Banas Cape Air Base. Dining options airside are limited but genuinely reflective of the region — think functional rather than fancy. A small café near the main departure lounge serves strong Egyptian coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, and the kind of simple, honest food that reminds you exactly where you are: on the edge of the Eastern Desert, close to the sea.

The standout local specialty to seek out before your flight is fried or grilled Red Sea fish, often prepared simply with cumin, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon — straightforward cooking that lets the freshness of the catch speak for itself. You may also find baladi bread with ful medames, Egypt's beloved fava bean stew, served warm in the early morning hours. Portions are generous and prices are refreshingly low by any standard, reflecting the unhurried, working-port spirit of Berenice itself.

Travellers connecting through EES should temper expectations around variety but lean into the authenticity of what's available. The airport's small refreshment counter doubles as a gathering spot for locals, military personnel, and the occasional diving or eco-tourism visitor heading to Wadi el-Gemal. It's worth arriving a little early just to sit with a glass of sweet mint tea, watch the desert light shift over the tarmac, and appreciate a rare airport experience that hasn't yet been smoothed into sameness by global food chains.