By Mohamed Attia
Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, has presented the ministry’s comprehensive strategy to modernise airports, optimise the country’s airspace, and boost the tourism sector. Speaking during a session of the Senate, chaired by Counselor Bahaa El-Din Abu Shaqqa, El-Hefny emphasized the pivotal role of the aviation sector in supporting the national economy and enhancing Egypt’s global connectivity.
The minister addressed requests from senators Mahmoud El-Qat and Mohamed El-Salhi, who sought clarification on the government’s plans for developing airports and promoting charter flights to Egypt.
El-Hefny highlighted the aviation sector as a cornerstone of Egypt’s economic development, linking it to increased foreign investments and tourism. He noted that the ministry’s strategy aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and involves phased projects to improve operational efficiency and passenger services, alongside strengthening national airlines to ensure regional and international competitiveness.
The minister underscored the importance of incentivising charter flights to attract more tourists. “This is not just about boosting tourist numbers,” he said. “Charter flights drive economic growth in related sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, and transport, while also creating job opportunities.”
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing the operational efficiency of national airlines and improving the training of aviation personnel to meet global standards.
El-Hefny announced plans to involve private sector operators in managing Egyptian airports, citing the successful model of Marsa Alam Airport. A global consultancy firm has been tasked with identifying airports suitable for gradual private sector participation, aiming to enhance management efficiency and improve service quality.
He assured senators that this initiative does not reflect inadequacies in the current management but is intended to leverage private expertise to achieve excellence.
The minister revealed plans to expand Cairo International Airport’s capacity from 28 million passengers to 40 million annually, coupled with efforts to enhance the quality of its services to meet international standards.
El-Hefny discussed challenges facing the aviation sector, including the impact of Covid-19 and currency exchange fluctuations. He noted that EgyptAir had played a critical role in national security operations, including evacuation flights during crises, while continuing to achieve profitability in several business units.
He also highlighted the airline’s membership in the Star Alliance network, which bolsters its global reputation and reflects the quality of its services.
Senator Mahmoud El-Qat commended Egypt’s air traffic controllers for their professionalism during regional airspace closures, noting that international organisations had praised their crisis management skills.
El-Hefny concluded by stressing the ministry’s focus on human capital, with continued investments in training programmes to elevate workforce performance and enhance the aviation sector’s overall efficiency.
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