ElHefny made the remarks during an inspection visit to review the airport’s latest developments and operational readiness ahead of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s (GEM) opening on 1 November.
He said the expansion of Sphinx International Airport reflects the state’s vision to develop a world-class aviation network and enhance connectivity across Egypt.
Located west of Cairo, the airport serves as both a strategic gateway for tourism and a cultural landmark, particularly with the GEM set to attract millions of visitors.
According to ElHefny, the airport’s redevelopment spans 24,000 square metres, featuring 26 check-in counters, two self-service kiosks, three baggage carousels, 10 passport control counters, seven departure gates, and six arrival gates.
The facility also includes a VIP lounge, retail outlets, and a range of passenger services.
Sphinx Airport has nine aircraft stands, parking space for 400 cars and 20 buses, and a mosque accommodating 550 worshippers. It is supported by a dedicated power station, a central cooling plant, and a modern food court.
The minister added that the airport is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, an advanced instrument landing system (ILS), and a modern control tower featuring the latest air traffic management technologies.
All facilities are fully accessible for passengers with disabilities, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to inclusive aviation standards, he noted.
Since the start of its trial operation, Sphinx International Airport has witnessed a sharp rise in activity, handling over one million passengers between January and October 2025, compared with 852,660 during the same period in 2024, a 21 percent increase.
Currently, 22 airlines operate from the airport, served by seven agencies, with an average of 95 weekly flights during the 2024/2025 winter season — up from 75 the previous year, marking a 27 percent rise.
The airport now connects 25 international and domestic destinations, reinforcing its role as a growing hub for travel and tourism west of Cairo.
Cairo airport best in Africa
ElHefny affirmed that Egypt is moving confidently toward building a modern, integrated aviation system based on smart technologies and environmental sustainability, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
He noted that Cairo International Airport topped African airports in air cargo volume for 2024, handling a total of 397,426 tons of goods, according to a report by Airports Council International (ACI).
The airport also ranked first in Africa in passenger traffic, serving 28,964,544 passengers during the same year.
The minister also noted that construction is underway on Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport — one of Egypt’s key strategic projects aimed at enhancing service quality and strengthening airport infrastructure.
He noted that the new terminal will have a capacity of no less than 30 million passengers annually and will feature cutting-edge smart technologies, positioning it among the most advanced terminals worldwide and offering passengers an exceptional, fully integrated travel experience.
ElHefny emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping the new terminal with an advanced operational system, incorporating the latest innovations in air navigation, ground operations, and building management.
The minister added that Egypt continues to enhance the efficiency of its civil aviation sector through airport expansion and modernization plans, targeting a total capacity of more than 70 million passengers annually.
17% rise in passenger traffic countrywide
Egypt’s civil aviation sector recorded strong growth in 2025, with passenger and aircraft movements across the country’s airports rising by 17 percent and 15 percent, respectively, compared to 2024.
The figures reflect the continued recovery of the aviation industry and its vital role in supporting tourism and the national economy, ElHefny told the reporters during his tour at Sphinx International Airport.
According to official statistics he shared with the reporters, Egyptian airports handled a total of 21,783,082 passengers between January and October 18, 2025, up from 18,611,315 passengers during the same period last year.
Total flight movements also increased to 162,076 flights, compared to 140,959 flights in 2024.
Passenger growth was led by Hurghada International Airport, which handled more than 8.8 million passengers, followed by Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, which recorded a 28 percent increase in traffic, Hefny said.
Luxor International Airport saw passenger traffic rise by 21 percent, with the number of flights reaching 10,805. Aswan International Airport reported a 24 percent increase in passengers and a 26 percent rise in flights, while Abu Simbel Airport recorded a 33 percent jump in passenger traffic and a 29 percent increase in flights.
Assiut International Airport achieved one of the highest growth rates nationwide, with passenger numbers soaring by 66% and flights increasing by 95%.
EgyptAir status
The civil aviation minister said EgyptAir has an ambitious plan to modernize and expand its fleet to enhance competitiveness and passenger experience in line with global standards.
The national carrier currently operates 71 aircraft, comprising 67 commercial jets and four cargo planes, and aims to increase its total fleet to 97 aircraft by the end of fiscal year 2030/2031 to meet growth targets, open new routes, and enhance operational efficiency.
According to ElHefny, the modernization program includes the introduction of 34 new state-of-the-art aircraft featuring advanced fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
The plan covers 16 Airbus A350-900s, with EgyptAir initially ordering 10 aircraft and securing options for six more during the 2025 Paris Air Show.
The first A350-900 is expected to join the fleet in December 2025, with the rest delivered through 2030–2031. The airline will also receive 18 Boeing B737-8 MAXs, with the first scheduled for delivery in January 2026 and the remainder arriving in 2026–2027.
These aircraft are designed to reduce fuel consumption by 25 percent and significantly cut emissions, aligning with Egypt’s environmental and technological sustainability goals.
EgyptAir is also extending the lease of five Boeing B777-300ERs with lessor Aercap for an additional 18 months, from July 2025 to September 2027, due to the delayed delivery of the first A350-900.
In addition to fleet expansion, the airline is implementing a series of cabin upgrade projects. Nineteen Boeing B737-800s are undergoing full cabin refurbishment in partnership with Collins Aerospace.
The upgrades include new business and economy seats, updated lavatories by Yokohama, refreshed flooring and wall panels, and upgraded in-flight entertainment systems in cooperation with Panasonic.
The upgrades will also enable streaming access across all cabins, positioning EgyptAir among the few airlines worldwide offering such advanced in-flight entertainment.
The first refurbished aircraft was completed in July 2025, and the project is expected to be finalized by the end of 2026. Two Airbus A330-200s are also being upgraded with new seats in both business and economy classes, the minister pointed out.
EgyptAir currently operates flights to 82 international destinations from Cairo, four international routes from Alexandria, and six domestic destinations.
During fiscal year 2024/2025, the airline added new destinations, including Zurich, Prague, Mogadishu–Djibouti, Abidjan, Taif, Tabuk, and Misrata.
The minister revealed that for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/2026, the network will expand further to 85 international destinations from Cairo, five from Alexandria, and six domestic routes, with new additions such as Venice, Los Angeles, and Chicago, along with the reopening of the Alexandria–Benghazi route.
EgyptAir expects to operate 42,854 flights, carrying approximately 11.88 million passengers and offering 16.2 million seats during fiscal year 2025/2026, he said.
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