Minister of Civil Aviation: Developing Egyptian Airports According to Modern Operational Models
Cairo – Nihad Imam: Minister of Civil Aviation Dr. Samah Al-Hafni confirmed that the ministry is proceeding with the implementation of a comprehensive vision to develop the Egyptian airport system. This vision is based on applying modern operational models, leveraging international expertise, and transferring it to national cadres, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, improving service quality, and increasing airport capacity to keep pace with the rapid growth in air transport and tourism.
This statement came during a series of meetings held by the minister to follow up on the final touches of the program for the tendering of the management and operation of Hurghada International Airport. The initiative is being carried out in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which provides advisory support for public-private partnership programs. The meetings were attended by Eng. Amr Nagaty, Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; Eng. Ayman Fawzi Arab, Chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation; Pilot Wael El-Nashar, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company; as well as representatives of the IFC and various specialists from both sides.
This effort is part of the state’s strategy to develop the civil aviation sector and enhance private sector participation in airport management and operation, in alignment with the targets of the state ownership policy document. It aims to elevate the airport system in accordance with global best practices.
The meetings reviewed the program’s implementation status and the final procedures for the tendering process, ensuring execution according to the highest standards of transparency and competitiveness. These measures are designed to boost operational efficiency and enhance the quality of services provided to passengers, in line with the latest global practices in airport management and operation.
Al-Hafni added that the program embodies the state’s direction toward strengthening private sector participation as a key partner in achieving development, through professional operational models that contribute to maximizing asset management efficiency, enhancing economic returns, and supporting the sustainable development of the civil aviation sector. He simultaneously affirmed full commitment to preserving state ownership of airports and sovereignty over all their assets, considering this a national constant.
He clarified that the program is proceeding according to the specified timeline, paving the way for its next implementation phases. He noted that the upcoming stage will see the completion of several executive procedures, which will enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian airports and support their position as regional hubs for air transport. This will contribute to achieving the targets of “Egypt Vision 2030” and supporting sustainable growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.
