“Egypt can be one of main hubs for skydiving, especially since it has good weather throughout the year and many beautiful places. It is a way to promote sports tourism during the whole year,” Mustafa Saeed, festival president and chairman of the organising company Skydive Egypt, told Ahram Online.

“Europe closes completely in the winter. Around 3 million parachuters all over the world practice skydiving, but only 2 million are in Europe and America,” he added.

“Skydiving is not really affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the festival had more than 90 participants,” he said.

“I have been working in skydiving for almost 42 years. At first, it was a hobby. I liked it so much. I rolled into it,” said Herman Landsman, manager for jumping and landing operations.

Landsman has organised many important skydiving events all over the world.

“This is my fourth time at the festival. It is something very special and magical to skydive over the pyramids,” Landsman added. 

More than 200 world-class skydivers are participating in the festival, including Saudi-American champion Omar Al-Hegelan, who participated in the event for the fourth time.

World champions Greg Cozier and Karine Joly are coming to Egypt for the third time. American adventurer Kaby San wants to break his world record in Egypt. Finally, Fred Fugen will perform exclusive aerial shows over the Giza pyramids area.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)