By Mohamed Attia
In an atmosphere marked by appreciation and gratitude, the Air Traffic Controllers’ Club hosted its grand annual celebration to mark International Air Traffic Control Day.
The event took place in the presence of Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority Sameh Fawzy, Chairman of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation Ayman Arab, Chairman of the National Air Navigation Services Company Ehab Mohie, and Head of the Air Traffic Control Sector Captain Osama Atta.
During his address, Minister El-Hefny emphasised that air traffic controllers represent a fundamental pillar of flight operations, safety, and carbon emission reduction efforts.
He commended their unwavering resilience during industry challenges and likened the role of a controller to an orchestra conductor managing complex airspace movements.
El-Hefny highlighted the successful management of recent neighbouring airspace closures, an effort commended by major international aviation bodies including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the International Air Transport Association, and Eurocontrol as a miraculous operational feat under extreme pressure.
He expressed deep valuation for their demanding round-the-clock dedication during nights and holidays, while also taking pride in honouring academic achievers whose scholarship elevates the nation.
Chairman of the Air Traffic Controllers Club Mohamed Abdel Moneim affirmed that the annual ceremony pays tribute to controllers working endlessly across the country.
He noted that despite an unprecedented surge in air traffic volume alongside complex regional dynamics, controllers embraced every challenge with courage and determination.
Through divine guidance and expertise, the team successfully managed high-pressure aerial situations with precision, maintaining Egypt’s airspace as an exemplary model of safety, smoothness, and operational efficiency.
The event also marked major strategic steps forward for the sector through key agreement signings.
Chairman of Air Cairo Hussein Sherif and Chairman Captain Mohamed Abdel Moneim renewed a co-operation protocol to deepen partnership, promote safety culture, and exchange professional expertise.
To directly support this mission, Sherif announced an LE5–million contribution from Air Cairo toward the Air Traffic Controllers’ Club to enhance training programmes and elevate staff competencies.
Additionally, the Air Traffic Controllers’ Club signed a new co-operation protocol with the “Red Sea” company to establish joint projects across multiple fields.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Minister El-Hefny recognised distinguished retirees for their illustrious careers, beginning with a posthumous tribute to the late Captain Mohamed Abu El-Saoud, accepted on his behalf by his daughter Dina Abu El-Saoud.
Honoured retirees also included former Dean of the Air Traffic Control College Brigadier General Ahmed Mounir, retired Director of the Aviation Data Department Captain Sabah Mohamed El-Salawi, retired Air Traffic Controller Captain Shamel Youssef, and retired Director of the Recurring Flight Programs Department Captain Safaa Hanafy.
Furthermore, El-Hefny celebrated advanced academic achievers, honouring thesis supervisor Mahmoud Mabrouk, PhD recipient Hatem Gamil, Master’s degree holders Tamer Ismail and Islam Mohamed Farag, and Education Diploma recipient Mohamed Mostafa Agwa.
