Arab Finance: Egypt seeks to increase its current annual airport capacity from 73 million to over 122 million passengers by 2030 as part of a strategy to enhance air transport capabilities, expand infrastructure, and modernize the fleets of national airlines.

Speaking at Egypt Forum 2026, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El Hefny said the government intends to offer 11 airports, excluding Cairo International Airport, to the private sector for management, operation, and development. Hurghada International Airport has been selected as the pilot project for the initiative. Prequalification of consortia has been completed.

El Hefny affirmed that the aviation sector is a key pillar in driving economic growth and strengthening foreign currency inflows, noting that national airports handle over 95% of all inbound tourism to Egypt.

The state has invested more than $400 million in developing Egypt’s airspace, the minister indicated. This includes upgrading radar systems, satellite networks, and communication infrastructure, as well as restructuring air routes and operational segments.

Cairo International Airport, which handles over 31 million passengers annually despite a design capacity of 28 million, is set for further expansion through the planned construction of Terminal 4, with estimated investments of $4.2 billion. The project aims to raise capacity to 70 million passengers annually in its first phase and eventually to 110 million by 2041.

Meanwhile, EgyptAir aims to expand its fleet to 125 aircraft by 2030 and 200 by 2035. El Hefny said the airline reduced its accumulated losses from EGP 31.5 billion to EGP 5.9 billion, targeting their full elimination within two years.

During fiscal year (FY) 2025/2026, the civil aviation sector generated $4.8 billion in revenue before including anticipated returns from future expansion projects, El Hefny added.