Egypt, a pioneer in the Middle East's aviation industry, is aggressively pursuing ambitious expansion plans for its airport infrastructure and airlines.
Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El Hefny stated the government's unwavering commitment to attracting more tourists and air transport to Egypt. He underlined the strategic importance of encouraging travel companies and commercial airlines to significantly increase air seat capacity, highlighting the potential for significant growth in this sector. Egypt has 14 existing airlines and is actively pursuing further expansion within the region.
To accommodate this expected growth, Egypt is investing heavily in modernizing and expanding its airport infrastructure. The government's plans include:
Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria: Addition of Terminal 2 increases capacity from 1.2 million to 6 million passengers per year.
Sphinx International Airport: Turning this airport into a regional hub for day trips from Red Sea resorts and attracting tourists with its proximity to the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The airport has already doubled its capacity to 900 passengers per hour.
El Alamein Airport: Expanding capacity to 400 passengers per hour to meet the growing demand for tourism in this emerging destination.
Minister Elhefny recently visited El Alamein Airport to assess its operational status and welcomed the launch of services by Saudi low-cost airline Flynas. The airport's strategic location and development efforts have established it as an important gateway for international travelers.
Egypt's aviation industry is experiencing remarkable development, driven by strategic expansion plans and a focus on strengthening connectivity. “The ambitious goal of increasing overall airport passenger numbers from 66.27 million passengers per year in 2023 to 72.2 million by 2025 demonstrates the country's unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the aviation sector,” Elhefny said. said.
Egypt is at the forefront of efforts to improve regional air traffic efficiency and connectivity. Egypt aims to streamline operations and optimize airspace use by exploring the integration of neighboring Flight Information Regions (FIRs), including South Sudan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
Egypt's commitment to expanding its air hub in Africa is clear. “The country has seen a rapid increase in traffic between its airports and other African destinations, with EgyptAir flying to 26 destinations in 21 African countries.The airline's ambitious expansion plans , our goal is to serve 32 airports in 30 African countries by 2028,” Elhefny said. ”
EgyptAir’s strategic expansion into Africa is consistent with the government’s broader vision. Air Cairo, a hybrid subsidiary of the national carrier, offers flexibility and customized services and is poised to play a pivotal role in penetrating deeper into African markets.
Egypt's rich aviation tradition and expertise extends beyond domestic operations. The government is actively seeking cooperation with African countries in various areas, including training and knowledge sharing.
“The Egypt International Air Show held in September acts as a catalyst for the aviation industry, attracting participants from all over the world and fostering innovation,” Elhefny explained. “With El Alamein emerging as a prominent tourist destination, the government is considering rebranding the event as El Alamein Air Show to further increase its visibility and promote the region's tourism appeal. .”
