Egypt has used an aviation delegation’s visit to the UK to outline ambitions to boost connectivity, grow its flag carrier’s fleet and double the destination’s airport capacity by 2030.
Sameh El Hefny, Egypt’s minister of civil aviation, told a gathering of 85 business leaders and investors in London that the country aims to reach airport capacity of 100 million in five years’ time, with projections estimating 50.5 million passengers by the end of this year.
He also described plans to increase Egyptair’s fleet from 70 to 97 aircraft by 2028.
Last week’s visit, across Monday and Tuesday (February 3-4), was intended to attract investment and technical cooperation in Egypt’s civil aviation sector, while strengthening relations between Egypt and the UK in aviation-related areas of mutual interest, including technology, infrastructure, maintenance services and other air transport issues.
Sherif Kamel, Egypt’s ambassador to the UK, hosted the first dialogue session, entitled ‘Shaping the future of Egyptian civil aviation’, at Baker Tilly’s offices in central London.
In addition to El Hefny, participants included Maged El Menshawy, vice-chairman of the British Egyptian Business Association, Mohanad Khaled, chairman of the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce, and Baker Tilly’s Chris Danes.
Aiman Fawzy Arab, chairman of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, spoke of the Egyptian government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s airports into world-class aviation hubs. He also outlined the company’s efforts to modernise airport infrastructure, implement advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and biometric systems, and strengthen international partnerships to ensure operational excellence.
He said Cairo International airport was set to become Africa’s primary hub for long-haul travel, an ambition which is part of Egypt’s broader aviation strategy.
Arab added that he had a vision of Egypt’s airports setting a global benchmark for efficiency, innovation and sustainability while creating a seamless travel experience that connects people, cultures and opportunities.
Front row (from left): Mashood Akmal and Ibrahim Fathy Zaki. Back row (from left): Sameh El Hefny and Sherif Kamel