By Mohamed Attia
Sphinx International Airport (SPX) has been placed on high alert and has finalised all preparations to welcome the numerous international guests, official delegations, and tourists expected to attend the highly anticipated opening celebrations of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for early next month.
The airport, designated as a key strategic gateway for this monumental event, has undergone extensive development and readiness checks in recent weeks.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli conducted a comprehensive inspection tour of the airport’s development works, underscoring the government’s direct field monitoring of preparations.
He was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel el-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport; Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities; Sameh El-Hefni, Minister of Civil Aviation; and other key officials from the Giza Governorate, the Armed Forces National Service Projects Authority, the Egyptian Airports Company, and the GEM project.
During the tour, Madbouli affirmed Sphinx International Airport’s standing as a modern air destination and a strategic gateway linking western Cairo to the nation’s premier tourist and archaeological sites.
He emphasised its pivotal role, particularly with the approaching opening of the GEM, a project set to attract millions of global visitors.
“Sphinx International Airport is distinguished by its unique geographical location near the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, making it a pivotal hub for receiving official delegations and tourists, enhancing its role as a major air gateway serving tourism and travel in Egypt,” said Madbouli.
The Prime Minister inspected both the international and domestic departure and arrival terminals, meticulously reviewing the readiness of all passenger processing areas, including check-in counters, passport control, customs, baggage handling, and conveyor belt systems.
He also inspected the Presidential and VIP lounges, ensuring the availability of the highest levels of comfort and distinguished services to reflect Egypt’s cultural standing.
Madbouli stressed the imperative for constant maintenance of all facilities and service areas, emphasising the full commitment to welcoming all guests and ensuring a seamless experience. He specifically directed officials to maintain a permanent presence at work sites to supervise operations and swiftly address any potential obstacles.
He concluded his visit by expressing his praise for the completion of the development work and extended his thanks to Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, and all the dedicated work teams, confirming the airport’s full readiness to receive guests for the museum’s opening.
Engineer Ayman Fawzy Arab, Chairman of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, also conducted an inspection visit as part of his routine monitoring of operational progress across Egyptian airports.
He reviewed all key areas, including departure and arrival halls, security screening procedures, and VIP lounges, confirming the implementation of robust safety and security mechanisms.
During his visit, Arab underscored the critical necessity to adhere to the highest international operational standards to significantly enhance the level of services provided to travellers, especially following the completion of the expansion work and the resulting increase in capacity.
This capacity expansion strategically aligns with the GEM’s opening and the massive development projects in the Giza Pyramids area, which is expected to generate significant tourist demand.
This positioning creates promising opportunities for Sphinx Airport to attract numerous international airlines, operating both scheduled and charter flights.
The airport is also poised to serve travelers from adjacent governorates, including Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, and Menoufia, thereby relieving pressure on Cairo International Airport.
Further assurance of readiness came from the Supreme Inspection Committee, led by Pilot Montaser Manaa, Deputy Minister of Civil Aviation, and comprising representatives from all relevant authorities.
The committee’s tour monitored operational progress, inspecting aircraft reception areas, VIP lounges, and entry/exit routes.
The focus was on ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and operations during the high-demand period coinciding with the arrival of official delegations and guests for the Grand Egyptian Museum’s official opening ceremony.
