In a new step highlighting Egypt’s commitment to enhancing its position on the global aviation map, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has called for sustained government efforts to comprehensively develop the civil aviation sector.
This initiative aligns with a strategic vision aimed at strengthening civil aviation’s role in national economic development and capitalizing on the growing momentum in tourism and air transport.
President Sisi’s directive reinforces the government’s sustained efforts to elevate the civil aviation sector through comprehensive modernisation.
This includes upgrading airport infrastructure, expanding capacities and enhancing passenger services. These initiatives move hand in hand with Egypt’s national agenda for sustainable development, aiming to position the country as a global logistics hub that drives investment, promotes trade, and accelerates export growth.
The president is also focused on advancing Egypt’s aviation fleet and navigation systems while enhancing the skills of the sector’s human resources. This emphasis highlights the necessity of integrating cutting-edge technologies and training personnel in modern aviation practices. Sustainable development, as envisioned, extends beyond upgrading facilities and equipment to investing in human capital, a cornerstone of the sector’s overall success.
In addition, the government is providing full support to the private sector to participate in the development of civil aviation.
This agrees with Egypt’s broader strategy of reinforcing the private sector’s role in the national economy.
The civil aviation sector, identified as a promising field, holds significant potential to contribute to the country’s development goals, including boosting tourism and facilitating international trade.
One notable initiative is the expansion of Cairo International Airport with the construction of Terminal 4, set to be the gateway to Egypt’s New Republic.
This facility will increase the airport’s capacity to 30 million passengers annually, with potential growth to 40 million. It also includes a new runway equipped with the latest systems to accommodate modern aircraft, along with fully solar-powered covered parking, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.
In leveraging air transport to support economic development, Egypt recognises the importance of utilising this system to stimulate tourism and achieve its target of welcoming 30 million tourists annually.
Achieving this ambitious goal requires enhanced services and expanded airport capacities-key focus areas of the Egyptian government at present
President Sisi’s call for the development of the civil aviation sector underscores the depth of Egypt’s strategic vision. Beyond its role in driving tourism and increasing exports, civil aviation is pivotal to achieving comprehensive economic growth. Through public-private partnerships, Egypt is poised to evolve into a global logistics hub that attracts investments and enhances its economic standing both regionally and internationally.
Mohamed Fahmy is the editor-in-chief of The Egyptian Gazette and Egyptian Mail newspapers
