In a significant development for Egypt’s tourism and aviation sectors, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has upgraded both Al Alamein and Sohag airports to international status. This move is part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to enhance its aviation infrastructure, attract more international visitors, and improve air travel services across the country.
- Al Alamein and Sohag Airports: These airports have officially been designated as international, which will allow them to handle international flights, thereby improving Egypt’s accessibility for global travellers.
- Improved Standards: The upgrade includes higher safety standards, enhanced passenger services, and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.
- Re-licensing of Other Airports: Borg El Arab and Luxor International Airports have also had their licenses renewed, reflecting continued improvements within Egypt’s air travel sector.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: This development showcases the capabilities of Egypt’s airport system, both in terms of technical and human resources, as well as infrastructure.
Details of the Upgrades:
The upgrades were officially announced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, with Engineer Ayman Arab, Chairman of the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, and several leaders from the Civil Aviation Authority attending a certificate handover ceremony. The licenses were presented by Amr El-Sharkawi, Head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, to Ahmed Mansour, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company.
These upgrades are in line with Egypt’s commitment to meeting the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring that these airports meet all international conditions and legislation. The re-licensing of Borg El Arab and Luxor International Airports also reinforces the growing strength and competitiveness of Egypt’s aviation sector.
Strategic Importance for Egypt’s Aviation and Tourism Sectors:
The designation of Al Alamein and Sohag as international airports is a strategic move aimed at improving Egypt’s aviation infrastructure and enhancing its global connectivity. The development is expected to have a significant positive impact on the tourism industry, offering easier access to popular tourist destinations in Egypt and boosting international arrivals.
- Al Alamein, located on Egypt’s northern coast, is a gateway to the Mediterranean region, a hub for beach resorts, historical sites, and emerging tourist destinations.
- Sohag, located in Upper Egypt, is a key access point to the country’s archaeological sites, including those near the Nile and ancient Egyptian monuments.
By enhancing the international status of these airports, Egypt is positioning itself to be more competitive in the global tourism market, attracting more international flights, tourists, and business opportunities.
Future Outlook:
Samy Hifny, Director of the Egyptian Airports Company, emphasized that the new licenses and upgrades reflect the hard work and continuous efforts of Egypt’s civil aviation staff, highlighting their commitment to delivering world-class services. The upgrade of Al Alamein and Sohag airports is part of a broader series of improvements aimed at reinforcing Egypt’s aviation infrastructure, with continued investments in the development of modern terminals, logistics capabilities, and service delivery.
With this step, Egypt is furthering its vision to strengthen its position as a key player in the regional and international aviation markets, while also improving the overall experience for passengers. The re-licensing of airports is a continuous process that will keep Egypt in line with global aviation standards, further fostering growth in both tourism and business sectors.
