President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has instructed the continuation of Egypt’s airport development efforts through international partnerships focused on efficiency, sustainability, and enhanced private sector participation.
The directive aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, which aims to transform national airports into advanced regional hubs operating under cutting-edge global systems, while fostering an attractive investment climate that promotes economic growth and sustainable development, Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El Shennawy announced on Saturday.
El Shennawy’s statement followed a high-level meeting in Al-amein between President Sisi, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El Hafny, and Chairperson of EgyptAir In-Flight Services Soheir Abdallah. The meeting addressed the comprehensive strategic plan to modernize Egypt’s civil aviation sector, encompassing air navigation, fleet expansion, airport upgrades, and workforce development, all in support of the national goal to increase annual tourist arrivals to 30 million.
During the meeting, President Sisi was briefed on the “New Republic Air Gate” project, planned for Terminal 4 of Cairo International Airport. The project will feature a state-of-the-art passenger terminal built to the highest global standards, with a capacity exceeding 30 million passengers, effectively doubling the airport’s total annual capacity to over 60 million. The development will fully adhere to international safety, security, and environmental sustainability standards.
Minister El Hafny also presented Egypt’s national strategy to integrate private sector participation in airport development and operations. This strategy, formulated in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as the Ministry’s strategic advisor, is expected to be finalized by summer 2025. It aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance passenger services, and attract private investment and expertise across 11 key airports, while safeguarding full public ownership of these vital assets.
President Sisi emphasized accelerating the adoption of modern approaches to airport development and instructed that Hurghada International Airport be offered for private sector partnership by the end of 2025.
The discussions also reviewed developments in Egypt’s air navigation sector, particularly the country’s success in managing increased air traffic following regional crises and the closure of neighboring airspaces. Traffic over Egyptian skies has surged to over 1,600 aircraft daily, a challenge met with high efficiency by Egyptian air traffic controllers.
International aviation organizations, including Eurocontrol, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), have commended Egypt’s air traffic management for its effective handling of this surge while maintaining strict safety and operational standards.
Additionally, the meeting covered Egypt’s ongoing efforts to restructure national airspace and upgrade radar and communication systems.
The session also highlighted EgyptAir’s recent achievements, most notably securing the Skytrax award for “Best Airline Staff in Africa” for 2025, marking the first time the airline has received this honor. EgyptAir also earned accolades for offering the best economy class meals, being the fastest-growing airline in Africa for the second consecutive year, and providing the best cabin crew service on the continent.
Minister El Hafny noted EgyptAir’s advancement by 20 places in the Skytrax global ranking, positioning the airline 68th among the world’s top 100 carriers out of more than 325 airlines. He further outlined EgyptAir’s strategic plan to expand its fleet to 97 aircraft by 2028/2029, aimed at boosting competitiveness and enhancing the passenger experience.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts to upgrade EgyptAir In-Flight Services, including modernizing infrastructure, equipment, and ground services; improving staff training; elevating international service standards; enhancing business lounge offerings to meet top-tier comfort and service requirements; and advancing the airline’s on-time performance.
