Egypt’s civil aviation sector generated $4.8 billion in revenue in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh el-Hefny, told delegates at Egypt Forum 2026. The minister set out a programme of infrastructure and operational upgrades designed to increase the country’s airport network capacity and make Egyptian airspace more attractive to international transit traffic.
Investment and airspace modernisation
El-Hefny said the state has invested more than $400 million in upgrading radar systems, satellite networks and communication links, alongside a restructuring of air routes and operational sectors. The minister described these measures as intended to improve air traffic management, increase route efficiency and flexibility, and thereby enhance the appeal of Egyptian airspace to airlines.
He also highlighted initiatives to upgrade airports’ digital infrastructure and to expand the use of modern technology to streamline travel procedures, reduce congestion and raise service quality to align with international standards.
Capacity targets and network development
According to the minister, Egyptian airports currently have an annual capacity of about 73 million passengers. The government’s target is to raise that capacity to more than 122 million passengers by 2030 through a combination of development and expansion projects, enhanced utilisation of existing assets and the involvement of private-sector expertise in management, operations and development.
El-Hefny noted that Egyptian airports handle more than 95% of inbound tourist traffic to the country, underlining aviation’s role in supporting foreign currency receipts and the national economy. He framed the next phase of work as focusing on capacity expansion, improved operational efficiency and sustainable growth in passenger and aircraft movements.
- 2025/2026 fiscal year revenue: $4.8 billion
- State investment in airspace modernisation: more than $400 million
- Current annual airport capacity: ~73 million passengers
- Target capacity by 2030: more than 122 million passengers
- Share of inbound tourist traffic handled by Egyptian airports: more than 95%
The minister reviewed the development of Egypt’s airport network since 2014, including capacity expansion and upgrades at Cairo and other airports. He said the government expects to deliver the capacity increase through a mix of projects, better asset use and private-sector participation in management and development.
The figures and programme were presented within a session titled “Foreign Currency Resources and Debt Management” at Egypt Forum 2026, where el-Hefny emphasised aviation’s contribution to foreign currency revenues and the importance of developing operational and investment capabilities to boost economic returns and regional competitiveness.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Sector revenue (2025/2026) | $4.8 billion |
| State investment in airspace upgrades | $400 million |
| Current airport capacity | 73 million passengers annually |
| Target airport capacity by 2030 | 122+ million passengers annually |
El-Hefny framed the planned investments as measures to both support sustainable growth and strengthen Egypt’s international and regional competitiveness. He linked improved operational efficiency and digital upgrades to an improved passenger experience and reduced congestion.
No timetable for specific airport projects beyond the 2030 capacity target was provided in the minister’s remarks at the forum.
