By Mohamed Attia
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is moving forward with a comprehensive strategy to overhaul the country’s aviation sector, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and better passenger services.
Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el-Hefny emphasised that this plan aims to keep pace with rapid global air traffic growth and boost Egypt’s international competitiveness.
He noted that strong collaboration with Parliament and the Egyptian Senate is a driving force behind accelerating these national goals.
These statements came during an extensive field visit by a parliamentary delegation, led by Representative Sahar Talaat Mostafa from the House Tourism and Aviation Committee, and Senator Ahmed El-Shaarawy from the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee.
The tour began with a detailed briefing by Magdy Ishaq, Chairman of the Cairo Airport Company, who outlined current air traffic indicators and future expansion goals.
A key highlight of the presentation was Cairo International Airport’s shift toward digital systems.
The airport has successfully eliminated paper passport cards for Egyptian travelers, replacing them with fully integrated digital processing.
This digital push also includes adding self-check-in kiosks, self-service baggage drops, e-passport gates, electronic payment options, upgraded public Wi-Fi, a new mobile app, and a virtual assistant named “Ask Maryam.”
Safety and operational efficiency are also receiving significant upgrades.
The airport is currently modernising its security infrastructure by installing advanced CCTV surveillance, updating baggage handling systems, and replacing X-ray screening equipment with the latest global technology.
To improve the transit passenger experience, wayfinding signs and digital displays are being standardised across terminals.
Additionally, the airport is investing in green energy by setting up solar power plants to cut carbon emissions, while simultaneously remodeling departure lounges, arrivals areas, and restrooms to elevate customer service.
Looking ahead, officials revealed major commercial and infrastructure plans to boost economic returns. This includes expanding the duty-free markets and revamping commercial zones both inside and outside the airport.
Most notably, the ministry highlighted a massive future project: the construction of Terminal 4, which is projected to increase the airport’s capacity to 40 million passengers annually, cementing Cairo’s role as a primary regional hub.
Following the presentation, lawmakers toured Terminals 2 and 3 to see the work in progress.
They inspected upgraded restrooms, the fast-track lane system, and the modernised passport control zone.
The delegation also visited Terminal 2’s duty-free shops, the Cairo Airport Company hotel, and premium business-class lounges.
At EgyptAir Maintenance and Engineering’s Hangar 8000, Chairman Engineer Mohamed Sami briefed the delegation on the facility’s advanced technical capabilities for aircraft and engine repairs.
Finally, the group visited EgyptAir Ground Services Company, where Chairperson Sohair Abdullah Moussa guided them through the newly modernised Kamal Alawi Hall.
She presented the company’s broader restructuring plan, which has successfully upgraded workplace infrastructure, automated administrative workflows through digital transformation, and focused investment on advanced employee training programmes to guarantee service quality moving forward.
