Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Dr. Samah El-Hafni announced that the government expects to reveal the winning consortium for managing and operating Hurghada International Airport within the next eight months. This development is part of a broader strategy to involve the private sector in airport management. The initiative aims to achieve a concession period of 25 to 30 years, subject to approval from the Egyptian Parliament.
The partnership with the private sector is intended to maximize value for the state by leveraging specialized technical and administrative expertise while maintaining state ownership and full sovereignty over airport assets. According to El-Hafni, the concession duration will be carefully planned to provide sufficient time for the winning consortium to implement development plans and achieve a suitable return on investments.
The project to manage, operate, and develop Hurghada International Airport through a public-private partnership involved 10 consortia in the pre-qualification stage. After evaluating the qualification requests and submitted documents, a seven-consortium shortlist was selected to proceed to the next stage. This process ensures that only qualified bidders compete for the contract.
El-Hafni emphasized that cooperation with the private sector does not imply the sale of airport assets. He stressed that airports are state assets that cannot be sold; instead, the government seeks to allow private sector investment to enhance operational efficiency, increase returns, and generate added value for the national economy.
The minister also addressed concerns about the impact on current employees, stating that involving the private sector in airport management does not mean replacing existing staff. Rather, the goal is to retrain and upskill workers to meet modern operational requirements. The winning consortium will be responsible for implementing necessary training and qualification programs for Hurghada airport employees.
El-Hafni's statements highlight the Egyptian government's efforts to modernize its airport infrastructure and improve services through strategic partnerships. By engaging the private sector, the government aims to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of its airports, ultimately benefiting the national economy and passengers.
The selection process for the Hurghada airport contract is rigorous and transparent, with a focus on securing a partnership that aligns with Egypt's aviation strategy. Once the winning consortium is announced, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel in Egypt, particularly in the Red Sea region, which is a significant tourist destination.
Key points
- The Egyptian government aims for a 25-30 year concession period for private sector involvement in airport management.
- Seven consortia have been shortlisted for the Hurghada airport management contract.
- The private sector partnership does not imply the sale of airport assets, but rather aims to enhance operational efficiency and generate added value for the economy.
