Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-02-27 10:32:40
Minister of Civil Aviation Mohamed Abbas Helmy recently announced that Egypt will be launching an international bid to manage and operate Egyptian airports. This decision comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to increase the number of passengers through airports such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh to 10 million passengers this year. The bid will include all airports, including the Cairo International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Egypt.
In an interview with CNBC Arabic, Helmy also mentioned that the ministry is currently studying the mechanisms for financing the construction of a new passenger terminal at Cairo Airport. He highlighted the significant growth in the capacity of Egyptian airports from 2014 to 2023, with the number of passengers reaching 63.5 million in 2023. The ministry’s plan is to further increase the capacity of Egyptian airports to accommodate 72 million passengers.
Efforts are underway to continue developing Egypt’s airport systems, with a focus on improving the traveler experience. Helmy mentioned that Egyptian airspace is being redesigned to be more flexible and increase transport capacities. The establishment of private Egyptian airline companies is also being encouraged and facilitated, with 12 Egyptian airline companies currently in operation.
Legislation is being audited and updated to adhere to international standards, ensuring the highest levels of safety and security in the aviation sector. Helmy also discussed the growth plan of Egypt’s national flag carrier, EgyptAir. The airline currently operates to 79 destinations, including 27 points in Africa, through its operations and low-cost arm, AirCairo. EgyptAir aims to increase its number of destinations to 114 by doubling seat capacity, with a target of transporting approximately 23 million passengers by 2028.
Overall, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Egypt is dedicated to modernizing and expanding the country’s aviation infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air travel. The upcoming international bid for the management and operation of Egyptian airports is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing the aviation sector and providing a seamless travel experience for passengers. With ongoing developments in airport capacity, airspace redesign, and airline operations, Egypt is poised to further establish itself as a regional hub for air travel.
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