The Presidency
Today, President El-Sisi met in Al-Alamein City with Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, and Chairperson of EgyptAir In-Flight Services Ms. Soheir Abdullah.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed the comprehensive strategic vision for the advancement of the entire civil aviation sector, including air navigation, aircraft fleet development, airport upgrades, and enhancement of human resource capabilities.
These efforts are part of the state’s broader plan to improve the efficiency of the aviation sector, increase its capacity, and enhance the quality of services provided to travelers, in support of the national goal to raise the number of tourists to 30 million.
The President followed up on the implementation progress of the “New Republic Air Gateway” project at Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport. The Minister of Civil Aviation presented the technical and operational specifications of the project, which aims to establish a new passenger terminal aligned with the latest international standards, with a capacity of no less than 30 million passengers.
This would raise the airport’s total capacity to over 60 million passengers annually, while fully adhering to safety, security, and environmental sustainability standards.
President El-Sisi gave directives to continue the development of Egyptian airports through international partnerships based on efficiency and sustainability, while also encouraging the private sector’s participation, within the framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030 that aims to transform airports into advanced regional hubs operating under the latest global operational systems.
This is while ensuring the availability of an attractive investment environment that ensures economic feasibility and sustainable development.
The Minister of Aviation outlined the national strategy to involve the private sector in airport operations, developed in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the ministry’s strategic advisor.
he strategy, set to be completed by the end of summer 2025, seeks to integrate the private sector in the operation and development of Egyptian airports. It also aims to improve civil aviation performance, enhance operational efficiency, elevate service quality for travelers, and attract private investment and advanced operational expertise to develop 11 major airports, while ensuring these vital assets remain publicly owned.
President El-Sisi gave directives to proceed with the development of airports using the most modern methods and to offer Hurghada Airport for private sector partnership by the end of 2025.
The meeting also addressed the air navigation file, noting the international recognition for Egypt’s air traffic control system, particularly amid recent regional crises and the closure of airspace in neighboring countries.
These circumstances led to an increase in air traffic over Egyptian airspace to more than 1,600 flights daily. International organizations such as Eurocontrol, ICAO, and IATA commended the high performance of Egyptian air traffic controllers, who managed this traffic efficiently without compromising safety or operational discipline. The meeting also reviewed plans to develop Egypt’s airspace by restructuring it and upgrading radar systems and related communication technologies.
The meeting discussed EgyptAir’s significant recent progress, especially in improving passenger service across all travel phases. For the first time, the airline received the “Best Airline Staff in Africa” award for 2025 from global rating agency Skytrax during the Paris Air Show.
The company also won several other awards this year, including Best Economy Class Meals, Most Improved Airline in Africa (for the second consecutive year), and Best Cabin Crew in Africa. The Minister added that EgyptAir advanced 20 places from last year, now ranking 68th among the world’s top 100 airlines, out of more than 325 carriers.
The meeting also touched on EgyptAir’s fleet renewal plan, aiming to reach 97 aircraft by 2028/2029, boosting its competitiveness and enhancing the travel experience.
The Minister of Aviation presented efforts to upgrade EgyptAir In-Flight Services, including infrastructure and equipment enhancements, staff training, ground services modernization, and adherence to international standards.
This is in addition to improving business class lounges to ensure top comfort and service standards, along with boosting flight operation punctuality and performance across the company.
