In June 2009, governmental plans to develop an extension of Alexandria with an area of 390 acres (1.6 km2) located to the west of the old city were revealed.

The new city is planned to be linked to Borg Al-Arab airport via the ring road with an estimated travel time of 25 minutes.

After economic woes plagued the country following the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, the renovation of El Nouzha Airport was put on hold, leaving Borg El Arab as the only airport serving Alexandria.

The passenger terminal is designed in the shape of a boat and consists of three floors: The terminal contains a duty-free shop, a franchise food court, an area dedicated for travel offices and other travel-related services, a fuel supply unit, a control tower, and a fire station available to cover emergencies on site.

Media related to Borg El Arab Airport at Wikimedia Commons