Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has extended the deadline for obtaining tender documents to manage Hurghada International Airport by one month. The original deadline was scheduled for February 12, according to Egyptian Aviation Minister Sameh Hefni.
Speaking during the delivery ceremony of a new Airbus aircraft on Saturday, Hefni said that 74 consortiums had requested the tender documents, with 64 bids already submitted. The minister did not specify whether the extension was due to technical or financial considerations.
The tender is part of a broader government initiative to involve the private sector in airport management, supported by the International Finance Corporation. The program aims to upgrade services, attract more international flights, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen Egypt’s position as a regional tourism and trade hub in line with international standards.
Most bids, Hefni noted, came from leading global airport management companies. Egypt currently operates 15 international airports and two domestic airports, all managed by the state-owned Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation.
Once the bid submission period closes, the evaluation of proposals is expected to take about six weeks, signaling a structured and transparent selection process aimed at ensuring efficient and professional airport operations.
