Photo courtesy of the Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency
The meeting in Cairo also included Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny and ICAO Regional Director for the Middle East Mohamed Rahma, as Egypt moves to expand airport capacity and strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub amid ongoing disruptions to regional air traffic.
According to presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy, El-Sisi stressed Egypt’s commitment to developing the civil aviation sector as part of its wider economic strategy, citing its role in trade, tourism, and investment.
He said Egypt is carrying out a modernization plan that includes upgrading airport infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, expanding capacity, and strengthening technical and training systems across the sector.
The presidency said El-Sisi also welcomed ICAO’s role in setting global aviation standards and noted cooperation between Egypt and the organization, which hosts its Middle East regional office in Cairo.
Salazar praised Egypt’s handling of increased emergency and rerouted flights linked to recent regional airspace closures due to the US-Isreali war on Iran, according to the statement.
“Egypt managed these challenges efficiently and responsibly, ensuring the continued safe and orderly flow of air traffic,” he stated.
The meeting also reviewed cooperation between Egypt and ICAO, including an agreement to renew the hosting of the organization’s regional office in Cairo, the presidency said.
Egypt has in recent years stepped up investment in its aviation sector, including expansion and upgrading work at major airports such as Cairo International, Borg El-Arab, and Sphinx International.
El-Hefny said the upgrades are aimed at increasing passenger and cargo capacity and improving service standards, as well as reinforcing Egypt’s role as a transport link between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
ICAO, a United Nations (UN) specialized agency, sets global standards and recommended practices (SARPs) for civil aviation covering safety, security, efficiency and environmental performance.
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