By Mohamed Attia
During the “MedAire Aviation Security Summit 2026,” Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny emphasised the critical importance of continuously developing Egyptian airport infrastructure and raising operational efficiency.
He explained that these efforts are essential to keep pace with anticipated growth in air traffic and to enhance the competitiveness of Egypt’s aviation sector.
El-Hefny also noted that the construction of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport forms a major component of broader expansion plans designed to meet rising future demand.
This development is being carried out alongside efforts to elevate service quality, integrate cutting-edge technology, and build human resource capabilities, ensuring the sector remains fully prepared to handle future changes and industry challenges.
Held under the patronage of Minister El-Hefny, the summit brought together a prominent group of air transport leaders, including airline executives, civil aviation representatives, security authorities, and flight operations experts from across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to explore modern risk management solutions and business continuity strategies.
Opening the summit, Senior Vice President of Aviation Security and Maritime at MedAire Hany Bakr addressed the evolving security and operational landscape currently transforming the aviation industry.
Bakr stressed the necessity of strengthening collaboration and sharing technical expertise among key stakeholders.
He noted that closer coordination improves the ability of airlines to navigate emerging risks, sharpens response preparedness, and guarantees uninterrupted flight operations.
Providing further insight into industry support, Executive Director for MedAire in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Peter Taghi, together with Business Development Manager Riley Rajan, outlined MedAire’s specialised capabilities in supporting global aviation security.
Executive Director Taghi and Business Development Manager Rajan detailed how the company provides security intelligence, performs comprehensive risk assessments, manages in-flight medical emergencies, and delivers crisis response support.
Founded in 1985 as part of the International SOS group, MedAire continues to assist organisations worldwide in preparing for complex security and operational demands.
In a panel session titled “Balancing Growth, Aviation Security, and Operational Resilience,” El-Hefny underscored the necessity of balancing rapid commercial expansion with strict adherence to high safety and security standards.
El-Hefny pointed out that adopting a proactive risk management approach, developing dynamic information-sharing mechanisms, and fostering closer alignment among civil aviation authorities, airlines, airport operators, and air navigation providers are essential steps.
He also emphasised the role that digital solutions, data analytics, and modern technologies play in supporting sound operational decision-making.
A second specialised panel discussion, titled “Strategic Aviation Operations: Balancing Security Realities with Commercial and Operational Priorities,” brought together prominent figures including Minister El-Hefny, Chairman of the EgyptAir Holding Company Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EgyptAir Airlines Mohamed Elian, CEO of Egyptian International Airlines Sherine Farid, Vice President for Safety, Quality, and Security at Air Cairo Mohamed El-Shorbagy (who also serves as Advisor to the Chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority), and CEO of Red Sea Airlines Captain Ahmed Shanan.
