By Mohamed Attia
In response to the recent allegations circulated on social media platforms under the title “Cairo Airport is the worst airport ever,” the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, has directed an immediate investigation into the claims made by a foreign blogger about their experience at Cairo International Airport.
The blogger in question published an article titled “Why I consider Cairo Airport the worst airport ever,” which was widely shared across various websites and satellite channels. The article recounts the blogger’s travel experience on November 10th and 11th, 2024, at Cairo International Airport, where the blogger allegedly encountered a series of issues during their time at the airport.
In line with our commitment to transparency and fairness, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken the following steps to verify the claims and present the full and factual account of the events:
- Surveillance Review:
Surveillance footage from the airport has been reviewed to track the passenger’s journey through Cairo International Airport. This footage documents the passenger’s arrival and movement within the airport, from their arrival on November 10th, 2024, to their departure on November 11th, 2024.
2. Passenger Timeline:
Arrival: The passenger arrived at Cairo International Airport on November 10th, 2024, on ITA Airways Flight AZ896 from Rome at 16:50. The time taken for arrival procedures (including customs, passport control, and baggage claim) was approximately 18 minutes, which is well within global standards for smooth and efficient airport operations. The passenger then went to the Meridian Hotel for a 5-hour stay.
3. Departure and Services:
On the same day, the passenger departed from Terminal 3 on Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET453 to Addis Ababa, departing at 2:50 AM on November 11th, 2024. The time spent at check-in and security was notably swift: approximately 1 minute at security and 8 minutes at the airline counter to finalize travel procedures, which is a standard process handled by the airline, not the airport.
The passenger then moved through passport control in 1 minute, demonstrating that the airport’s procedures were efficient and effective.
4. Lounges and Amenities:
Contrary to the blogger’s claims, the passenger used two different lounges in the airport during their wait. They spent approximately 1 hour in Lounge E and 30 minutes in Lounge G, both of which are equipped with premium services for passengers. There were no complaints or reports of discomfort during this time. The blogger also used the lounge facilities’ bathrooms without any interaction with staff that would support claims of harassment.
5. Claims of Harassment and Tips:
The airport’s official “No Tips” policy is clearly communicated to all passengers, with signage placed throughout the airport. The passenger did not have any luggage requiring assistance and only carried a small handbag and backpack, contrary to their claims of being harassed by staff for tips.
6. Allegations of Chaos and Unfriendliness:
Our review of the surveillance footage shows that the passenger did not have any direct interactions with airport staff aside from a greeting upon arrival, where a hotel representative met the passenger as per their request. The passenger’s description of staff as aggressive or unfriendly was not observed by airport cameras and appears to be an unfounded accusation.
7. Security Procedures:
The security measures implemented at Cairo International Airport adhere to international safety and security standards, with all protocols coordinated with relevant security agencies to ensure the safety of passengers.
8. Smoking Allegations:
Regarding the allegation of cigarette smoke within the airport, Cairo International Airport has designated smoking areas to ensure a smoke-free environment in non-smoking areas. This is consistent with practices in airports globally.
9. Final Observations:
We have noted that the passenger spent extended periods of time in lounges, suggesting a comfortable and uneventful waiting experience. The claim that the airport is chaotic or unorganized does not align with the reality captured in the video footage or with the overall passenger experience documented.
Conclusion and Response:
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is confident that the claims made by the blogger are inaccurate and do not reflect the true experience at Cairo International Airport. The airport staff’s professionalism, the smoothness of airport procedures, and the excellent services available to passengers, as evidenced by the surveillance footage, contradict the blogger’s negative narrative.
We encourage the public to consider the facts presented and to be cautious about spreading unfounded information that may harm the reputation of Egyptian institutions. Cairo International Airport has earned Skytrax’s 4-star rating and ranks among the top 10 airports in Africa, as per the February 2024 evaluation, based on independent surveys of global passengers.
The Ministry is committed to enhancing the travel experience for all passengers and welcomes constructive feedback that helps improve services. However, we will not tolerate false accusations or deliberate misinformation that damage the reputation of Egypt’s aviation sector.
The Ministry also stresses that it will pursue all necessary legal actions to protect the integrity of Egypt’s aviation sector and the dignity of airport staff against defamatory claims.
For further clarity, the Ministry has attached video footage of the passenger’s time at the airport and a comparison image of the bathroom, which disproves the blogger’s allegations.
The passenger used two different lounges in the airport during their wait. They spent approximately 1 hour in Lounge E and 30 minutes in Lounge G, both of which are equipped with premium services for passengers. There were no complaints or reports of discomfort during this time.
The time taken for arrival procedures (including customs, passport control, and baggage claim) was approximately 18 minutes, which is well within global standards for smooth and efficient airport operations.
Customs point and exit from the arrival hall
On his way to the plane
passenger on his way with hotel employee
A passenger exits the plane with a handbag and a backpack, wearing a black T-shirt.
Passenger drop off arrival hall
Passenger on his way to the arrival terminal
