By Mohamed Attia
Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, has emphasised the vital role of the aviation sector in supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030 economic and social goals, describing it as a key driver of sustainable development rather than merely a mode of transport.
Speaking at the fourth edition of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) in Abu Dhabi, El-Hefny said the ministry is implementing sustainable projects aligned with international aviation standards, including improving fuel efficiency, adopting eco-friendly technologies, and reducing carbon emissions. These efforts, he said, reflect Egypt’s commitment to environmental sustainability and international agreements.
El-Hefny praised the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for its support in helping Egypt comply with global standards, which, he noted, enhances passenger confidence and strengthens the country’s aviation sector. He also highlighted the importance of regional and international co-operation through ICAO’s regional office in Egypt, which works to improve aviation safety, security, and operational efficiency.
The minister said Egypt is focused on modernising its aviation infrastructure, including expanding and upgrading airports to enhance international connectivity. He noted that Egypt is directly linked to 191 airports across 72 countries and recorded over 17.2 million international passengers in 2023, positioning it as a regional hub between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
During the conference, El-Hefny met Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, president of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, to discuss strengthening co-operation between the two countries in aviation safety, air navigation, and other areas. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to aligning with ICAO’s global aviation standards.
El-Hefny also held talks with Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and chairman of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority. Their discussions covered aviation safety, technological advancements, environmental sustainability, and airport infrastructure development. El-Hefny praised the UAE’s initiatives in the aviation sector, particularly in sustainability and innovation, and highlighted the strategic ties between Egypt and the UAE.
The ICAO symposium, held from February 10 to 12 and organised by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with ICAO, is one of the leading global forums for discussing aviation safety, security, and sustainability. El-Hefny led a high-level Egyptian delegation, including Amr El-Sharkawy, head of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority, Ayman Arab, chairman of the Egyptian Airports and Air Navigation Holding Company, and Ezzat Metwally, head of the Egyptian Aviation Academy.
