Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Samah El-Hafni, expressed pride in the significant achievements of the civil aviation sector over the past two years, under the support of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The sector's growth and enhanced services are a testament to the President's continuous interest in strengthening the sector's efficiency and elevating service standards. This has elevated Egypt's position on the international aviation stage.
Dr. El-Hafni highlighted that the leadership of the civil aviation sector has demonstrated its capability to achieve tangible results. Each company within the sector has attained unprecedented numbers and achievements, surpassing previous records spanning 95 years. He extended gratitude to the sector's leadership and emphasized the significance of EgyptAir winning the 'World's Most Improved Airline' award for 2026, as per Skytrax's global ranking.
EgyptAir secured several advanced positions on the African continent, including the top spot for the best in-flight service crew in Africa and ranking 20th globally. The airline also ranked first as the best in the economy class in Africa and second among the top airlines on the continent. Skytrax's award reflects the airline's improvement in quality and performance across various categories.
Dr. El-Hafni attributed the success to effective coordination among entities operating within the civil aviation sector. He expressed hope for the sector's continued success in enhancing its image among Egyptians, enabling them to take pride in the achievements of the civil aviation sector. The sector has completed a cycle of success, achieving the highest financial returns and service levels.
The minister announced that the announcement of the winning alliance for managing and operating Hurghada International Airport is expected within eight months. The Civil Aviation Ministry aims for private sector participation in airport management for 25-30 years, subject to parliamentary approval. This partnership seeks to maximize value for the state, leveraging specialized technical and administrative expertise while maintaining state ownership and control over airport assets.
The Hurghada airport project involved 10 alliances participating in the pre-qualification stage, with seven qualifying for the next phase. Dr. El-Hafni emphasized that collaboration with the private sector does not imply selling airport assets, but rather investing in them to boost operational efficiency and achieve a national economic return. He assured that the current workforce will not be replaced, but rather retrained and developed to align with modern operational requirements.
The Egyptian government is keen on enhancing cooperation with the private sector to develop airport infrastructure and services. The Civil Aviation Ministry's efforts focus on optimizing resource utilization, improving service quality, and increasing the sector's competitiveness. With these achievements, Egypt's civil aviation sector is poised for sustained growth and development.
Key points
- EgyptAir wins 'World's Most Improved Airline' award for 2026
- Sector achieves unprecedented growth and recognition globally
- Private sector participation in airport management to boost efficiency and returns
