By Mohamed Attia
Egypt and the United States have formalized a new agreement aimed at significantly enhancing security and operational efficiency at Cairo International Airport (CAI). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involves a U.S. grant to equip the airport with advanced security screening technology and provide specialized training for aviation security personnel, aligning operations with the latest international safety standards.
Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, witnessed the signing ceremony at the Ministry’s headquarters, underscoring the importance of the long-standing cooperation between the two nations in civil aviation.
The agreement was signed by Ambassador Hero Mustafa Garg, the U.S. Ambassador to Egypt, and Mr. Magdy Ishaq, Chairman of the Cairo Airport Company. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from both sides, including Mr. Amani Metwally, Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; Captain Amr El-Sharkawy, Head of the Civil Aviation Authority; and Engineer Ayman Arab, Chairman and Managing Director of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation.
Minister El-Hefny stressed the Egyptian government’s firm commitment to civil aviation safety and security. He affirmed that the MoU reflects the strength of bilateral relations and the mutual commitment to enhancing technical cooperation and the exchange of expertise, which will ultimately “raise the efficiency of the security system in the aviation sector.”
Dr. El-Hefny specifically praised the role of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in supporting development efforts. He described the integration of the advanced screening equipment as a “qualitative leap” for Cairo International Airport’s security system. This upgrade is expected to not only enhance safety levels but also ensure smoother passenger flow and operational efficiency.
Ambassador Garg echoed this sentiment, stating that the signing “marks a new chapter in cooperation” built upon the strength of the enduring partnership. She highlighted the shared goal of “enhancing regional security, strengthening the aviation sector, and supporting global security.”
The initiative is a clear demonstration of the deep strategic partnership between Egypt and the U.S. in air transport security.
