Cairo Airport Boosts Operations for Ramadan Umrah Season

The Cairo Airport Company (CAC) has initiated a state of heightened operations to manage the significant increase in passenger traffic for the Ramadan Umrah season. Following directives from Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh el-Hefny, the measures are designed to streamline the travel process for pilgrims and ensure operational efficiency at Cairo International Airport (CAI), a hub that handled 30.94 million passengers in 2025.

The plan focuses on enhanced coordination between airport authorities and airlines, alongside substantial upgrades to passenger-facing services and infrastructure. This proactive approach is critical for managing one of the busiest periods for religious travel in the region, which sees a massive influx of passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia.

Operational Enhancements and Staffing

To facilitate a seamless experience, CAC has implemented a multi-faceted strategy across all terminals. A key component is the deployment of additional terminal coordinators and public relations staff. These teams are specifically trained to assist travelers, with a focus on elderly pilgrims and those with health concerns, guiding them through check-in and departure procedures. This aligns with the broader industry trend of enhancing passenger assistance services during peak travel seasons.

Infrastructure improvements include the renovation of dedicated Ihram dressing areas for pilgrims traveling directly to Mecca. The airport has also increased the number of directional signs in departure halls and optimized public address systems to deliver timely flight information and service updates. According to Chairman of the Cairo Airport Company Magdy Ishaq Azer, a comprehensive plan is in place with all airport entities to provide high-quality services, particularly for travelers with special needs.

To centralize oversight, a 24-hour operations room has been established. This command center monitors the flow of pilgrims in real-time, allowing airport management to address logistical challenges immediately and maintain operational continuity. This practice is a standard for major airports managing large-scale events like the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages.

Terminal and Airline Coordination

Passenger traffic for the Umrah season is strategically distributed across the airport's facilities to prevent congestion. The current operational plan assigns flights as follows:

• Seasonal Terminal: Used exclusively by EgyptAir Holding Company for its Umrah flights.
• Terminal 2: Handles flights operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia).
• Terminal 1: Services flights from various private air carriers.

This distribution leverages the airport's infrastructure, particularly the Seasonal Terminal, which is designed specifically for managing high-volume pilgrim traffic. EgyptAir has also mobilized specialized ground teams at both Egyptian and Saudi airports to expedite check-in and arrival processes. In a previous Umrah season, the airline operated approximately 305 flights to transport 74,000 passengers on return journeys from Jeddah and Madina, illustrating the scale of the operation.

Context of Growth and Regional Significance

These preparations come as Cairo International Airport continues to experience significant growth. The airport's 30.94 million passengers in 2025 represented a 6.8% increase from the previous year. On its peak day in 2025, CAI handled approximately 103,000 passengers on 696 flights. This sustained growth underscores the importance of efficient peak season management.

The scale of religious pilgrimage travel in the region is immense. During a comparable period in March 2025, Saudi Arabian airports processed over 3.4 million pilgrims and passengers in just 18 days, highlighting the logistical challenge and economic importance of this travel segment.

Magdy Ishaq Azer noted the airport's strategic role, stating, “Egypt represents a burgeoning market in global tourism, with Cairo International Airport being a key hub, connecting travellers to Egypt and across Africa and the MENA region.” The airport's official information can be found on the Cairo International Airport website.

The current operational plan aligns with broader national goals. Minister Sameh el-Hefny has emphasized a vision to enhance Egypt's position in global air transport, a goal supported by the Egyptian National Action Plan for the Aviation Sector, which was submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in February 2026. This plan includes strategies for modernizing air routes and improving operational efficiency, with EgyptAir planning to expand its fleet from around 70 aircraft to 97 aircraft by the 2030/2031 season.

Why This Matters

The successful management of the Ramadan Umrah season is a critical operational test for Cairo International Airport and a key indicator of its capacity as a major regional hub. For airlines like EgyptAir and Saudia, this period represents a significant source of revenue and an opportunity to reinforce service quality. Efficiently handling this massive, concentrated flow of passengers demonstrates the maturity of Egypt's aviation infrastructure and supports the country's broader tourism and economic goals.

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