Downpours in Egypt: what travelers should do in Hurghada and Marsa Alam
Flash floods closed the Marsa Alam to Shalateen road and stopped some transfers on the Red Sea coast. What is known as of October 27, 2026 and what to do with your trip and ticket.
Heavy rain is back on Egypt's Red Sea coast. According to Tourprom, torrents of water blocked the Marsa Alam to Shalateen road and stopped some transfers. Here is what is known as of October 27, 2026, how to act if you fly to Hurghada or travel to Marsa Alam and what to do with your ticket.
What happened
Tourprom reports that a powerful cyclone and sharp temperature swings caused floods in the Red Sea governorate. Water came down from the mountains along dry riverbeds and fully blocked the Marsa Alam to Shalateen road near the Wadi El Gemal protected area. Passage there is impossible.
The provincial administration asks drivers, tour companies and independent travelers not to try to cross the water and to keep away from mud masses. According to the outlet, tourist buses and transfers between the southern resorts and Hurghada airport were temporarily suspended until engineers clear the roads.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) warns of heavy rain and squally wind in parts of the Red Sea, South Sinai and the north coast. Marsa Alam and Quseir are named among areas at risk of new flash floods. The outlet says this is the second blow of the month: a similar situation hit Hurghada two weeks ago.
How it affects the trip
- Transfers. If your hotel is in the south of the coast, the road from Hurghada airport may take longer or be closed. Ask the hotel or tour operator whether the transfer runs.
- Excursions. Desert and mountain road trips are better postponed on such days.
- Flights. The source does not report airport closures. Check your flight status with the airline.
What to do if you are flying to Egypt
- Message the hotel the day before departure and ask about the transfer and road conditions.
- Do not plan independent drives along coast roads on warning days.
- Watch your flight. If it is delayed, see flight delay and cancellation compensation.
- If it is cancelled, see flight refund rights.
- If you booked a package, contact the tour operator: terms and hotel replacement are settled under the contract.
Travel insurance
Buy a policy before departure. What travel insurance covers and which risks to check is in travel insurance for trips abroad.
Where to look next
For fares see cheap flights to Egypt. The resorts themselves: Hurghada areas, hotels and beaches, Hurghada: when to go and excursions, Marsa Alam: diving and a beach holiday and Sharm El Sheikh areas and beaches. Compare dates in the HotTrip flight search.
Frequently asked questions
Which road is closed?
The Marsa Alam to Shalateen road near Wadi El Gemal, according to Tourprom on October 27, 2026.
Is Hurghada airport closed?
The source does not report a closure. Transfers between the southern resorts and the airport were suspended.
Which areas are under warning?
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority names the Red Sea, South Sinai and the north coast. The risk of flash floods is noted for Marsa Alam and Quseir.
What if my flight is cancelled?
The airline refunds it. See flight refund rights.
Where can I find cheaper tickets to Egypt?
Open the price calendar in the HotTrip flight search and compare nearby dates.
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