By Mohamed Attia
Cairo International Airport has undergone major improvements in recent months under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Sameh el-Hefny, with a wide range of infrastructure and service upgrades aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.
The airport has received growing praise from travellers, reflecting its progress toward meeting international standards.
The airport has upgraded its passenger lounges to serve different categories of travellers and introduced a transit hotel in Terminal 2. Located on the second floor after the security checkpoint, the hotel offers short-stay accommodation for transit passengers in 11 fully equipped rooms, along with dedicated guest services.
As part of its digital transformation, Cairo Airport has replaced the paper passport card for Egyptian travellers with a digital system.
Other initiatives include the launch of the AI-powered virtual assistant “Ask Mariam,” a redesigned website and mobile app, upgraded self-service check-in and baggage drop systems, and smart parking and e-limousine services.
The airport has also modernised its operational and security systems by installing e-gates, upgrading the baggage handling system (BHS), and introducing advanced security screening equipment.
The airport has also upgraded its premium and transit lounges, expanded its VIP facilities, opened a new VVIP lounge, improved roads and parking areas, established Egypt’s first airport medical evacuation centre, enhanced services for passengers with disabilities, and commissioned a solar power plant.
These efforts helped Cairo International Airport retain its position as Africa’s busiest airport in June 2026, according to OAG.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to build Terminal 4, increasing the airport’s annual capacity to 70 million passengers, while continuing its transformation into a smart, sustainable airport powered by artificial intelligence.
Eng. Haitham Abdel Hamid Salam, Head of Information Technology at Cairo Airport Company, said the newly launched Cairo International Airport app offers real-time flight information, including arrivals, departures, terminal details, and baggage claim belts.
The app also allows passengers to book premium services such as the Ahlan meet-and-assist service, Fast Track, airport lounges, and provides an interactive guide to airport facilities, including ATMs, free Wi-Fi, parking areas, currency exchange offices, and baggage wrapping services.
In addition, the app offers interactive support services, including wheelchair requests, lost-and-found tracking, a smart airport map for Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and a section introducing restaurants, cafés, nearby airport hotels, tourist attractions, and transportation options into Cairo.
Mohamed Sami, Assistant Chairman of Cairo Airport Company, said the airport has also installed six new elevators, expanded the number of check-in counters, partnered with an international company to manage airport lounges, increased the number of flight information screens, added relaxation seating throughout the terminals, and operates 14 shuttle buses with an average waiting time of 10 minutes, in addition to the automated people mover connecting the airport terminals.
