Egypt's Regional Airports Report Record Traffic Amid Tourism Boom

Airports across Egypt are experiencing a significant increase in passenger traffic, reflecting the country's robust tourism recovery. The Egyptian Airports Company (EAC), which manages most of the nation's regional airports, reported smooth and efficient operations despite the high volume, particularly during the recent busy Ramadan season.

The surge in Egyptian tourism boom is a key driver behind the increased activity, with official data underscoring the trend. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Aviation, the country's airports handled approximately 47 million passengers in 2023, a nearly 30% increase compared to 2022. This growth aligns with national goals to expand the tourism sector significantly in the coming years.

Red Sea Resorts Lead the Surge

The coastal resorts of the Red Sea remain the primary draw for international visitors. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) handled over 225,000 passengers during the peak season, with substantial arrivals from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. This makes it a critical gateway for European tourists. In 2023, HRG was Egypt's second-busiest airport, processing 8.7 million passengers. The airport also recorded its highest-ever daily traffic on October 25, 2025, with 53,169 passengers, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Similarly, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) welcomed more than 178,000 visitors during the same period. As Egypt's third-busiest airport in 2023, SSH handled 5.9 million passengers. The strong performance of both airports confirms the sustained appeal of Egypt's coastal destinations, especially during Europe's winter months.

Cultural and Regional Hubs Show Growth

Beyond the coastal resorts, cultural tourism in Upper Egypt is also thriving. Luxor International Airport (LXR) and Aswan International Airport (ASW) saw a combined total of over 85,000 passengers. These airports serve as key entry points for travelers, primarily from Spain, France, and Italy, seeking to explore Egypt's ancient historical sites.

Meanwhile, newer facilities are playing an increasingly important role in managing regional travel. Sphinx International Airport (SPX), serving the greater Cairo and Giza area, is facilitating connections with major cities in the Middle East, including destinations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. This helps alleviate pressure on Cairo International Airport (CAI) while directly serving a growing market for regional travel.

National Strategy and Operational Oversight

The successful management of this increased traffic is credited to the coordinated efforts overseen by the EAC, a subsidiary of the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation (EHCAAN). Pilot Wael el-Nashar, Chairman of the EAC, has emphasized the role of teamwork and high operational standards in maintaining service quality and safety.

The performance of the airport network is central to Egypt's broader economic strategy. The government aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028, a goal that relies heavily on the capacity and efficiency of its aviation infrastructure. Projections from Fitch Solutions support this optimistic outlook, forecasting that Egypt will welcome 18.56 million tourists by the end of 2026.

In a statement, Captain el-Nashar highlighted that the company's success is driven by the dedication of its employees, whose teamwork is the "true foundation for progress and sustainable success." He noted that maintaining a culture of responsibility and integrity is critical to managing the country's growing aviation demands.

Why This Matters

The sustained growth in passenger traffic across Egypt's regional airports demonstrates the country's successful post-pandemic tourism recovery and the effectiveness of its aviation infrastructure strategy. For the aviation industry, it signals Egypt's rising importance as a key market in North Africa and the Middle East. This performance positions the country to achieve its ambitious tourism goals, creating further opportunities for airlines and related service providers.

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