CAIRO – 24 October 2024: In the first stage of Egypt’s initiative to engage private investors in the development, management, and operation of its airports, five key airports will be offered to private operators, Al Arabiya reported, citing inside sources. These airports include Cairo International, Sphinx International, El Alamein International, Sharm El Sheikh International, and Hurghada International.
The plan will eventually extend to other airports, including Luxor and Aswan, with Aswan International Airport earmarked to become a hub for sub-Saharan African flights, according to one source.
Civil Aviation Minister Sameh Elhefny assured that while private sector involvement will focus on managing and operating the commercial activities within the airports, the airports themselves will remain under Egyptian state control and are not for sale.
The inclusion of international operators is anticipated to help attract major airlines to launch direct flights to Egypt from key markets like the US, Europe, and East Asia, which currently rely on indirect routes. This could lead to a boost in both tourism and air cargo traffic from these regions.
Elhefny recently confirmed that six international companies have expressed interest in managing Egypt’s airports. Discussions with Greece’s Copelouzos Group on potential joint airport projects have already commenced.
The government first revealed its plans to involve the private sector in airport management in November 2023, with more updates on airport and bank privatization expected soon.