How Egypt’s Airports Broke Records, Gaining Global Leadership in 2025
Key Points
- 1Cairo International Airport (CAI) passenger traffic reached 30.9 million in 2025, a 6.8% increase over 2024.
- 2Egyptian airports secured multiple ACI Africa environmental and sustainability awards, including a 'Leadership in Sustainability' award for CAI.
- 3The Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the 'Ask Maryam' AI virtual assistant at CAI and signed a US grant for advanced security screening equipment.
- 4Egypt will host the 2027 Airports Council International (ACI) World Annual General Meeting in Sharm El Sheikh.
The Egyptian civil aviation sector concluded an exceptional year in 2025, marked by record-breaking passenger traffic and significant global recognition. This performance reinforces Egypt's growing role as a premier global aviation hub. The progress was guided by Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny's strategic vision.
Unprecedented Growth in Passenger Traffic
Air traffic statistics surged across the country in 2025. Cairo International Airport (CAI) broke historical records. It welcomed over 30.9 million passengers, a 6.8% increase from 2024.
Regional airports also saw massive growth. Their total passenger numbers reached 28 million. This represents a remarkable 22.3% increase over the previous year. The entire civil aviation system demonstrated high operational performance.
Global Leadership and ACI Recognition
Egypt's influence reached a pinnacle within the international community. Engineer Ayman Fawzy Arab, head of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, was selected as an advisor to the ACI World Governing Board.
Egyptian airports also dominated the Airports Council International (ACI) Africa General Assembly awards. Cairo International Airport received the Large Hub Leadership in Sustainability award. Hurghada International Airport secured the Zero Waste to Landfill award. Borg El Arab International Airport in Alexandria won the Circular Waste Diversion award. These accolades highlight a national commitment to environmental excellence.
In a major strategic win, the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation signed an agreement with ACI World. Egypt will host the 2027 ACI World Annual General Meeting (WAGA) in Sharm El Sheikh. This agreement testifies to international confidence in Egypt's organizational prowess.
Modernization and Digital Transformation
The year was defined by critical infrastructure modernisation. This includes the comprehensive development of the Main Operations Center at the Egyptian Airports Company.
Pioneering AI in Passenger Service
Cairo Airport gained global recognition for its integration of artificial intelligence. The new “Ask Maryam” service is an interactive virtual assistant. It was launched in cooperation with Orange Egypt.
- The service provides instant answers to passenger inquiries.
- It covers flight schedules, procedures, and facility locations.
- It operates in both Arabic and English.
Cairo International Airport is reported to be the first in the world to successfully implement this AI-powered screen program for passenger assistance.
Infrastructure and Security Upgrades
Minister El-Hefny witnessed the signing of an Egyptian-American memorandum of understanding. This agreement includes a US grant to supply CAI with advanced security screening equipment. It also provides specialized training for staff. This reflects a strong, long-term partnership with the United States.
Plans are advancing for the construction of Passenger Terminal No. (4) at CAI. This project aims to increase the airport’s total capacity to 60 million passengers annually. The new terminal will rely on the latest smart technologies and adhere to environmental sustainability principles.
In a move toward the state’s 2030 tourism goal, the Ministry opened applications for global alliances. These alliances will qualify for the management, operation, and development of Hurghada International Airport. This program is supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Operational Resilience
2025 also showcased the exceptional readiness of Egyptian personnel. Air traffic controllers, led by Captain Ehab Mohie, managed extraordinary traffic flow. They successfully handled over 1,500 aircraft per day. This was despite the closure of airspace in neighboring countries. Their efficiency maintained operational safety during a period of heightened complexity.
This collective success underscores a new era for Egyptian aviation, characterized by sustainability, digital transformation, and global competitiveness. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
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