Egypt renames Aswan International Airport VIP Hall in honour of Sir Magdi Yacoub

Ahram Online , Tuesday 14 Jan 2025

The VIP Hall at Aswan International Airport will be renamed after the world-renowned heart surgeon Sir Magdi Yacoub, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh Elhefny announced on Tuesday.

Aswan International Airport
File Photo: Aswan International Airport. Photo courtesy Tripadvisor website.

 

According to Elhefny, the decision to name the VIP hall after Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub — professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and founder of the esteemed Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation — reflects the Egyptian state’s commitment to honouring scientists and innovators across various fields.

These elite have contributed significantly to humanity through their achievements and serve as luminous symbols that have elevated Egypt’s global name and status, the statement read.

“This honour comes in recognition of Yacoub’s long scientific journey and his numerous outstanding contributions to the field of heart surgery and transplantation, particularly his unprecedented recent achievement in developing heart valves,” the statement read. It refers to the latest breakthrough in heart valve transplantation by Sir Magdi Yacoub, valves that grow naturally in the body, integrating tissue engineering and stem cell technology.

“The decision also acknowledges his noble services in treating the people of Egypt and saving the lives of many patients worldwide,” the civil aviation minister said, adding that the pictures of the veteran surgeon, Professor Magdi Yacoub, will be displayed in all departure and arrival halls at Aswan International Airport.

“This tribute reflects the pride of the civil aviation sector in Egypt’s distinguished scientists, whose exceptional contributions have illuminated the world.” In his statement, he added that the honour also reaffirms the belief in the importance of Egyptian scientists, who are a source of national pride and role models for future generations.

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