By Mohamed Attia
Egyptian airports are seeing significant upgrades across the board under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny and Ayman Arab, head of the Egyptian Airports and Air Navigation Holding Company. Recent developments include the first-ever international licenses for Alamein and Sohag airports, signalling progress in meeting global aviation standards.
In a recent ceremony, El-Hefny awarded international operating licenses to Alamein and Sohag airports, while Borg El Arab and Luxor airports received renewed certifications. The move aligns with the Civil Aviation Ministry’s commitment to applying the highest international standards, aimed at bolstering safety and improving services for passengers, ultimately supporting Egypt’s tourism and travel sectors.
Ayman Arab and other senior aviation officials attended the ceremony. The licenses were formally presented by Capt. Amr El-Sharkawy, head of Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority, to Capt. Ahmed Mansour, chairman of Egyptian Airports Company. This licensing, according to El-Hefny, confirms that these airports comply with international criteria required to operate globally.
Meanwhile, Borg El Arab Airport is undergoing major developments as it prepares to open Terminal 2, designed with environmental considerations at its core. In an inspection of the new facility, El-Hefny highlighted that the eco-friendly terminal, constructed in partnership with the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), spans 40,000 square metres and will increase the airport’s passenger capacity to 6 million annually.
The new Borg El Arab terminal, designed to minimise carbon emissions, includes solar energy systems, VRV air-conditioning to reduce energy consumption, and state-of-the-art technology in line with global airport standards. Other upgrades include the addition of a new aircraft taxiway and the expansion of service buildings, electrical stations, and water facilities. Enhanced safety systems have also been implemented, including advanced fire alert and suppression systems.
The airport’s development extends to runways and drainage, with improved pavement to support larger aircraft, Code (E) compliant infrastructure, and a new rainwater drainage system. A parallel taxiway has also been added, along with connections between the terminal and aircraft parking areas, making Borg El Arab Egypt’s first eco-friendly airport.
According to Ayman Arab, these expansions align with global aviation trends that prioritise environmental considerations. He emphasised that Egypt’s airports are committed to sustainable development goals, transforming Egypt’s airport network into eco-friendly hubs.
Egypt’s airports are regularly inspected by the national Civil Aviation Authority to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards. Continuous efforts are made to secure regular licensing renewals, which support Egypt’s role in the civil aviation sector.
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