Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh ElHefny, announced that Sphinx International Airport has been upgraded to serve up to 1.2 million passengers annually, making it one of the country’s most modern airports. The expansion, completed ahead of the Grand Egyptian Museum’s opening, enhances Egypt’s air connectivity and tourism potential. The airport now spans 24,000 square metres, with new check-in counters, gates, lounges, parking, and advanced security and navigation systems. Since early 2025, it has handled over one million passengers, a 21% increase from last year, with 22 airlines operating 95 weekly flights to 25 domestic and international destinations.
Growth in Egypt’s Aviation Sector and EgyptAir Fleet
ElHefny also noted that Cairo International Airport ranked first in Africa for passenger and cargo traffic in 2024, while a new terminal is under construction to handle 30 million passengers annually. Egypt’s civil aviation sector grew by 17% in passenger traffic this year, driven by strong performance at airports including Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Assiut. Meanwhile, EgyptAir is expanding its fleet from 71 to 97 aircraft by 2031, introducing Airbus A350-900s and Boeing B737-8 MAXs, upgrading cabin interiors, and launching new international routes including Venice, Los Angeles, and Chicago, supporting Egypt’s plan for a modern, sustainable aviation network aligned with Vision 2030.
