El-Hefny: security, smart systems getting overhaul nation wide
By Mohamed Attia
Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, shared a new master plan to improve the country’s air travel sector. Speaking at a press conference with aviation journalists, he explained that the plan supports “Egypt Vision 2030” and aims to handle the growing number of tourists and travelers.
The main goal is to make operations run more smoothly, increase airport space, and make Egypt a leading regional hub for air travel.
The minister explained that the plan focuses on several key areas: upgrading airport buildings, buying new airplanes for national airlines, improving air traffic control systems, and updating safety and security rules.
The ministry is also working to use more modern technology, protect computer systems from hackers, protect the environment, and train aviation workers. In addition, the government plans to bring in private companies to help manage and run several Egyptian airports to improve service quality.
Big fleet growth for EgyptAir and Air Cairo
National airlines are preparing for major growth. Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, announced that EgyptAir has increased its fleet goal from 77 planes to about 125 planes by 2030–2031. The airline hired a top international consulting firm to finish this plan by the end of 2026. Adel also noted that EgyptAir’s finances have improved greatly and that over 86% of its flights now depart and arrive on time. Meanwhile, Mohamed Elian, Chairman of EgyptAir Airlines, said the company is working with global tech experts to upgrade its digital systems and online services for passengers.
Air cargo is also growing. Ehab El-Tahtawy, Chairman of EgyptAir Cargo, noted that the company recently transported 143,000 tonnes of goods and is ready for the upcoming agricultural export season. After converting two passenger planes into cargo planes, EgyptAir Cargo now has six freighters – five Airbus A330-200 planes and one Boeing 737-800 plane – and plans to grow its cargo fleet to 10 planes soon.
Air Cairo is also expanding rapidly, according to Chairman Hussein Sherif. The airline currently operates 43 planes and will receive four more before the end of 2026, bringing its fleet to 47. In 2027, Air Cairo will add 15 new Airbus A320 planes, with a goal of reaching 80 planes by 2029 to open new international routes.
Airport upgrades, radar investments and training
Across the country, airports are being upgraded ahead of the busy December travel season. Engineer Ayman Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, said work is underway to improve operations and expand shopping and commercial areas at Cairo, Sphinx, New Capital, El Alamein, Luxor, and Aswan airports to bring in more revenue. Magdy Ishak, Chairman of Cairo Airport Company, added that Cairo International Airport is upgrading its facilities to give travelers world-class service. At the same time, Wael El-Nashar, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company, reported that passenger traffic at regional and domestic airports jumped by 10.3% compared to last year, supported by major upgrades at Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada airports.
Egypt is also investing heavily in aviation technology, safety, and training.
Ehab Mohie, Chairman of the National Air Navigation Services Company, revealed that nearly $450 million has been invested in new radar and air navigation systems across Egypt’s airports. Engineer Hisham El-Saeed, Chairman of Aviation Information Technology (AVIT), highlighted the sector’s strong digital security, noting that Egyptian airports have had zero cyberattacks over the past five years.
In addition, Major General Hisham Tahoun, Chairman of the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, announced a plan to upgrade weather stations nationwide and connect them to the national emergency network to support aviation, tourism, and ships in the Red and Mediterranean Seas. Finally, Ezzat Metwally, Chairman of the Egyptian Academy for Aviation Sciences, shared that the academy trained 46 international students from 12 countries in 2026 – including two engineering scholarship students from England – and received approval to train students in Uganda, helping the academy graduate about 185 pilots every year.
