Egypt's participation in the 2026 El Alamein International Airshow and Space (EIAS 2026) has opened new avenues for international cooperation in the aviation sector. Civil Aviation Minister Sameh Elhefny stated this during a meeting with media representatives and senior sector officials. The meeting covered the latest developments in Egypt's civil aviation sector, the outcomes of EIAS 2026, and ongoing projects.
Elhefny and civil aviation sector officials expressed appreciation for President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's congratulations to national carrier EgyptAir after it was named "The World's Most Improved Airline" in the 2026 Skytrax global rankings. EgyptAir climbed to 46th place globally, entering the world's top 50 airlines, while also ranking first in several categories in Africa. The minister said the president's congratulations reflected the political leadership's support and appreciation.
Elhefny reviewed the outcomes of Egypt's civil aviation sector's participation in EIAS 2026, which drew broad participation and a significant international presence. He praised the success of EIAS 2026, saying it showcased Egypt's growing capabilities in aviation and space. The minister thanked the Ministry of Defence and other concerned entities for their coordination and organization of the event.
The meeting reviewed the state's plans to expand private-sector partnerships in the management, operation, and development of Egyptian airports, in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The cooperation aims to draw on specialized technical and administrative expertise to boost operational efficiency, improve services, and enhance the regional and international competitiveness of Egyptian airports.
Elhefny said the partnership model seeks to maximize value for the state by drawing on specialized expertise in airport management, operation, and development, while maintaining full state ownership and sovereignty over airport assets. Hurghada International Airport will serve as the pilot project for the initiative, with ten consortia applying for the prequalification stage and seven qualifying to advance to the next stage.
The minister said the private-sector management and operation contracts are expected to run for around 30 years, subject to the completion of the required procedures and approvals. The winning consortium is expected to be announced around six to eight months after the request for proposals documents are issued. Elhefny stressed that bringing the private sector into airport management and operations would not result in layoffs.
The meeting also reviewed plans to develop Egyptian airports and increase their passenger capacity, particularly Cairo International Airport, alongside development projects at Sphinx, El Alamein, and Capital international airports. Elhefny emphasized the importance of integrating airport development projects with other transport networks to improve connections between airports, tourist destinations, and new cities.
Key points
- Egypt's participation in EIAS 2026 opens new avenues for international cooperation in the aviation sector.
- EgyptAir was named "The World's Most Improved Airline" in the 2026 Skytrax global rankings.
- The state plans to expand private-sector partnerships in the management, operation, and development of Egyptian airports.
