By Mohamed Attia
Egypt has taken the first steps toward allowing the private sector to manage and operate its airports, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced. The move comes as the government signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, which will serve as an advisor on the process.
During the signing ceremony, Madbouly stressed that Egypt is not selling its assets but rather seeking to have them managed by top global companies to enhance the country’s tourism sector.
The agreement was signed by Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny, and IFC Vice President for Africa Sergio Pimenta.
Madbouly said the deal builds on Egypt’s co-operation with the IFC in advising on state asset sales, adding that the corporation will provide technical guidance to expand private sector participation in airport management. The aim, he said, is to improve airport services and boost capacity.
He also emphasized that the partnership is part of a broader effort to leverage IFC’s expertise in attracting foreign and domestic private investment, supporting national institutions, and fostering public-private partnerships in various sectors.
For his part, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny said the ministry is working on a strategic plan to identify airport projects suitable for private sector participation under the agreement.
Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat noted that the government’s push for greater private sector involvement in airports coincides with strong growth in tourism and transport. Private investment now accounts for 63% of total investment, she said, adding that Egypt has recorded its highest-ever number of incoming tourists in 2024.
The upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to further drive passenger traffic, creating new opportunities for private sector involvement in airport operations.
IFC’s Sergio Pimenta said improving Egypt’s airport infrastructure through public-private partnerships will stimulate economic growth. “This program will attract global investors to develop modern, efficient airports that strengthen Egypt’s position as a global hub for travel and trade,” he said.
Talks with Abu Dhabi Airports
Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny met with officials from Abu Dhabi Airports, led by CEO Elena Sorlini, to discuss potential co-operation in airport management and infrastructure development.
The discussions covered investment opportunities, efforts to enhance service quality, and ways to increase the competitiveness of Egyptian airports at both regional and international levels.
The meeting was attended by senior aviation officials, including Amani Metwally, permanent undersecretary at the ministry, Ayman Fawzy Arab, chairman of the Egyptian Airports Holding Company, and representatives from Cairo International Airport and Abu Dhabi Airports.
The two sides explored avenues for collaboration in expanding airport infrastructure to accommodate rising passenger numbers, improving operational efficiency, and adopting global best practices in airport management.
