By Mohamed Attia
Egypt inaugurated the 11th edition of Africa and Indian Ocean Aviation Week (AFI Aviation Week 2026), organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), with Civil Aviation Minister Samah El-Hefny opening the event in Cairo. The gathering, held from 27 to 31 July, marks Egypt’s first time hosting the continent’s largest aviation platform, bringing together more than 550 leaders, experts and representatives from ICAO, AFCAC, IATA, ACI and AFRAA.
El-Hefny said Africa represents a strategic depth for Egypt and highlighted civil aviation as a driver of economic integration, trade and connectivity. He outlined Egypt’s aviation strategy, including expanding airport capacity to 100 million passengers annually, raising Cairo International Airport’s capacity to 70 million, and increasing national carriers’ destinations to 40 African markets by 2030. Sustainability, he stressed, is central to Egypt’s plans, with projects to cut emissions, improve energy efficiency and adopt sustainable aviation fuel.
ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar praised Egypt’s organisation of the event, calling it a model for hosting international forums. He noted Africa is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets and said implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is a strategic priority. AFCAC President Florent Serge Dzouta described AFI Aviation Week as an indispensable platform for advancing civil aviation and emphasised the need for cooperation to build a more integrated and efficient air transport system.
The opening session underscored Egypt’s role as a regional hub for aviation and its commitment to supporting African partners through capacity building, technical assistance and hosting international events. Delegates toured the accompanying exhibition showcasing innovations in airports, air navigation, digital transformation and sustainability, reinforcing the week’s role as a forum for shaping the future of aviation in Africa.
