By Mohamed Attia
El-Hefny meets ICAO, ACI to solidify Egypt’s ‘Vision 2030’
Following the successful securing of a Category 2 seat on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council during the 42nd Session of the ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, Canada, Minister of Civil Aviation Dr Sameh el-Hefny held an intensive series of high-level meetings.
The Minister’s expanded agenda focused on strengthening international co-operation, unifying regional positions, and advancing Egypt’s ambitious vision for airport modernisation and sector development.
El-Hefny met with Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of ICAO, in a session that included Mr Mohamed Abu Bakr Farea, ICAO Regional Director for the Middle East, and Ms Reem Arabi, Egypt’s Alternate Representative on the ICAO Council.
Discussions centred on expanding co-operation, particularly in human resources development and supporting the rigorous implementation of international aviation standards.
Both parties underscored the importance of unifying Arab and African positions within the organisation to ensure broader regional representation and reflect the crucial role of civil aviation in economic and social development across these regions.
El-Hefny affirmed that Egypt’s Council membership is a strategic step demonstrating the nation’s unwavering commitment to developing its civil aviation sector and enhancing global co-operation.
He emphasised that this achievement is a culmination of long-term planning, continuous technical and administrative efforts, and significant political support for aviation as a pillar of economic and social progress.
The Minister stressed that the highest standards of aviation safety and security remain paramount.
Salazar expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s active and historical role in the air transport industry, noting its continued contribution to civil aviation development reflects international confidence. He praised Egypt’s pivotal role since its ICAO accession in 1947, its consistent Council membership, and its status as the host of the Middle East Regional Office in Cairo. Salazar highlighted the Egyptian delegation’s outstanding performance at the General Assembly, noting the qualitative working papers presented.
El-Hefny confirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing technical support to African and Arab nations through expertise transfer and specialised training, aiming to enhance regional integration and system efficiency.
Egypt will also actively support ICAO initiatives related to environmental sustainability, carbon emissions reduction, and digital solutions in air traffic management.
Mohamed Abu Bakr Farea commended the high competence and professionalism of Egyptian air traffic controllers, praising their vital regional and international role.
He highlighted Egypt’s success in handling an unprecedented volume of air traffic with high efficiency and safety, especially during recent regional crises and airspace closures in neighbouring countries.
Farea also noted that Egypt’s upcoming hosting of the ICAO MIDANPIRG/21 meeting is a key opportunity to enhance regional dialogue on air safety and navigation, expressing confidence in the event’s success.
El-Hefny met with Perla Pineda, ICAO’s Country Support Programme Officer, to review organisation-led support programmes.
The discussion focused on bolstering the civil protection system and developing fire and rescue services at airports. This includes potential financial support to equip airports with environmentally friendly civil protection materials and equipment, aligning with the highest international safety standards and sustainable development goals.
The minister welcomed this co-operation as a strategic partnership to enhance operational and safety efficiency.
A key meeting was held with Justin Erbacci, President of Airports Council International (ACI World). The focus was on joint co-operation in airport management, operation, and infrastructure modernisation.
El-Hefny presented the Egyptian government’s ambitious vision for its airport system, which includes modernising infrastructure, implementing the latest operational standards, and offering 11 airports for management and operation in partnership with the private sector.
This strategy aims to enhance performance and attract international investment.
He announced that the development plan will commence at Hurghada International Airport before year-end, alongside the major project to construct a new passenger terminal at Cairo International Airport with a capacity of up to 40 million passengers annually.
These projects are central to the state’s vision to establish Egypt as a pivotal hub for aviation traffic in Africa and the Middle East.
The Minister affirmed that Egypt’s hosting of the ACI Regional Office and the ACI General Assembly in Cairo in 2027 testifies to international confidence in the country’s regulatory capabilities and regional leadership.
Erbacci expressed appreciation for Egypt’s qualitative achievements, stressing that the efforts reflect a conscious strategic vision aligned with global air transport transformations.
El-Hefny concluded his mission with a series of bilateral meetings, including one with Chee Hong Tat, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Singapore.
They discussed developing co-operation in airport management and operations, leveraging Singapore’s pioneering experience to raise the efficiency and regional/international competitiveness of Egyptian airports.
