By Mohamed Attia
Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh el-Hefny, said that the civil aviation sector generated $4.8 billion in revenue during the 2025/2026 fiscal year, excluding expected returns from future expansion plans. This highlights the sector’s role in supporting foreign currency revenues and the importance of developing its operational and investment capabilities to increase economic returns and strengthen Egypt’s regional and international competitiveness.
Speaking during a session titled “Foreign Currency Resources and Debt Management” at Egypt Forum 2026, el-Hefny said that aviation is an important contributor to the national economy and foreign currency revenues. Egyptian airports handle more than 95% of inbound tourist traffic to Egypt. He added that the next phase will focus on developing infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and expanding capacity to meet expected growth in passenger and aircraft traffic and support sustainable growth
El-Hefny explained that the state has invested more than $400 million in developing Egyptian airspace by upgrading radar systems, satellite networks and communication systems, as well as restructuring air routes and operational sectors. These efforts aim to improve air traffic management, make routes more efficient and flexible, and enhance the appeal of Egyptian airspace to airlines and international transit traffic.
Development efforts also include upgrading airports’ digital infrastructure and expanding the use of modern technology to facilitate travel procedures, improve the passenger experience and reduce congestion, while improving operational efficiency and service quality in line with international standards.
Regarding expansion plans, the minister said that the current annual capacity of Egyptian airports stands at around 73 million passengers, with a target of increasing it to more than 122 million by 2030. This will be achieved through development and expansion projects, better use of existing assets, and private-sector expertise in management, operations and development.
El-Hefny reviewed the development of Egypt’s airport network since 2014, including capacity expansion and upgrades at Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Alexandria, Alamein, Saint Catherine and El Arish airports. Sphinx, the New Capital, Berenice and Bardawil airports have also joined the civil aviation network, expanding air services and supporting tourism and urban development.
Upcoming projects include the development of Alamein, Sphinx and the New Capital airports, which are expected to add around 12 million passengers to the country’s annual airport capacity.
The minister said that the government plans to offer 11 airports to the private sector for management, operation and development, excluding Cairo International Airport. An international consultant is working on a strategic study to identify suitable airports and assess the most appropriate models for private-sector participation, whether through individual airport projects or groups of airports.
Hurghada International Airport will serve as the pilot project for this approach. The prequalification stage for potential consortia has been completed, and preparations are underway to finalise the request-for-proposals documents for qualified bidders. A draft concession agreement is also being prepared for the operation, development and management of Ras El Hekma Airport, ahead of its submission to the House of Representatives.
El-Hefny stressed that Egyptian airports are sovereign assets owned by the state and are not being offered for sale. Private-sector participation aims to attract foreign direct investment, benefit from modern expertise and technology, transfer technical and management knowledge to Egyptian professionals, and reduce the burden on the state budget, while protecting employees’ rights and developing their skills in line with international standards.
Regarding Cairo International Airport, the minister said that it handles more than 31 million passengers annually, despite having a current design capacity of 28 million. This highlights the need to expand its infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger traffic.
Plans are underway to offer the Terminal 4 project, with estimated investments of $4.2 billion. The project aims to increase the airport’s annual capacity to 70 million passengers in its first phase, eventually reaching 110 million passengers annually after 2041.
The ministry is also studying plans to establish an air cargo and logistics city at Cairo International Airport to support cargo traffic, strengthen logistics capabilities and position Egypt as a hub serving African and global markets.
Regarding national carriers, el-Hefny said the ministry is implementing a restructuring plan for EgyptAir to strengthen its competitiveness and achieve financial and operational sustainability. The company has faced accumulated challenges since 2011, compounded by exchange-rate fluctuations and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 80% of its expenses are denominated in foreign currencies, contributing to accumulated losses of EGP 31.5 billion.
The minister noted that financial, technical and operational measures implemented over the past three years have helped the company achieve its highest profitability levels in its history and reduce accumulated losses from LE31.5 billion to LE5.9 billion. The target is to eliminate these accumulated losses within the next two years.
EgyptAir’s fleet renewal plan aims to increase the number of aircraft to 125 by 2030 and 200 by 2035, supporting network expansion and enabling the airline to meet growing travel demand.
Meanwhile, Air Cairo, the economic arm of EgyptAir, continues to expand its fleet. Its aircraft count has increased from six around six years ago to 43 currently, with targets of 80 aircraft by the end of 2029 and 134 by 2034. This expansion is expected to support the growth of its destination network and improve air connectivity, particularly through regional airports and tourist destinations.
The minister added that the ministry is working to develop the policies, regulations and incentives governing air transport to encourage inbound tourism and expand air links with international markets.
He also noted that charter flights from cities around the world are permitted to land at Egyptian airports without restrictions, alongside liberalised air transport operations at tourist destinations and measures to encourage private airlines. These efforts have helped private airlines account for around 30% of inbound tourist traffic by air, excluding EgyptAir.
