Aviation major driver of economic growth and connectivity in Egypt

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a study measuring the significant economic and employment benefits aviation (including aviation-related tourism) generates for Egypt. Based on 2023 figures, this includes:

• USD 21.1 billion of economic activity which is equal to 5.3% of Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities)


• 1.4 million jobs (across the supply chain and including tourism), of which 32,800 are directly employed by airlines


• 338,600 tonnes of air cargo handled

“Aviation is a key contributor to Egypt’s economy. Directly and through its well-developed tourism industry, aviation supports nearly 1.4 million jobs. And over 5% of Egypt’s GDP has close links to aviation. Importantly, the Egyptian government is using the aviation sector as a strategic enabler for its economic and social development. I was encouraged by the Minister of Civil Aviation’s reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to continued close collaboration with IATA in order to further expand aviation’s benefits to Egypt – guided by global standards and best practices across all areas of aviation, including safety, sustainability, cost-efficiency, skills development, and more,” said Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and Middle East following a meeting with Dr. Sameh Elhefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, Egypt.