Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Civil Aviation Minister Samah El-Hafnawi, and other officials to discuss airport development plans. The meeting covered state plans to upgrade Egyptian airports, enhance air transport capabilities, and expand infrastructure. El-Hafnawi stated that over $400 million has been invested in modernizing Egypt's airspace, including radar systems, satellite networks, and communication systems.
The Egyptian government has made significant investments in the aviation sector, with the civil aviation sector generating $4.8 billion in revenue during 2025/2026. President El-Sisi emphasized the need to continue updating airport digital infrastructure and implementing modern technological solutions to facilitate travel procedures and improve the passenger experience. This upgrade aims to increase operational efficiency and elevate service standards to international levels.
The president reviewed the progress of the Cairo International Airport's Terminal 4 project, a national project aimed at developing the airport and enhancing its position as a regional and global air transport hub. The terminal's capacity is expected to reach 70 million passengers annually in the first phase and 110 million passengers annually by 2041. President El-Sisi stressed the importance of building the terminal using the latest global standards, incorporating advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
The president also discussed upcoming projects in the civil aviation sector, including the development of airports in El-Alamein, Sphinx, and the new capital. These projects are expected to add 12 million passengers annually to Egypt's airport capacity. El-Hafnawi mentioned that the Hurghada airport will be offered as a pilot project for private sector participation in managing, operating, and developing Egyptian airports.
The Egyptian government aims to attract foreign direct investment and leverage modern expertise, knowledge, and technologies through private sector participation. However, the government emphasized that Egyptian airports are state-owned assets not for sale. President El-Sisi also directed the implementation of his instructions at the Egypt 2026 forum regarding the development of policies, legislation, and incentives regulating air transport.
The development of air transport policies and legislation aims to boost incoming tourist traffic, expand air connectivity with various markets, and stimulate private aviation growth. The president targets increasing private aviation's share of tourist transportation to 30%. This growth will contribute to the overall development of Egypt's tourism industry.
The Egyptian government is committed to upgrading airport infrastructure, enhancing the passenger experience, and promoting air transport growth. These efforts will support the country's economic development and reinforce its position as a regional and global air transport hub. Key projects, including Terminal 4 and upcoming airport developments, will drive growth and modernization in the sector.
Key points
- President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi directs modernization of airport infrastructure and enhancement of passenger experience
- Egypt invests over $400 million in modernizing airspace, generates $4.8 billion in civil aviation revenue
- Upcoming projects aim to add 12 million passengers annually to Egypt's airport capacity
