Egypt’s Al-Sisi reviews plan to engage private sector in airport development

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Saturday reviewed a comprehensive strategy to develop the country’s civil aviation sector, including plans to involve the private sector in operating airports to help achieve a national target of 30 million tourists annually, the presidency said.

The president met in New Alamein with Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny and the chairperson of EgyptAir Air Services, Soheir Abdallah, to discuss the plan, which covers air navigation, the aircraft fleet, and airport development.

Al-Sisi directed officials to proceed with offering Hurghada airport for partnership with the private sector by the end of 2025, according to a presidential statement.

This move is part of a national strategy, prepared in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a strategic advisor, to engage private companies in the operation and development of 11 key airports. The strategy, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve services, is expected to be finalised before the end of summer 2025. The state will retain ownership of these assets.

The statement quoted Al-Sisi as emphasising the need for international partnerships based on efficiency and sustainability, alongside incentives for the private sector, to transform Egypt’s airports into advanced regional hubs.