Egypt’s Aviation Minister Advocates for Air Transport System Development to Boost Tourism

جانب من اللقاء.

Dr. Samah Hefni, Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, participated in the Tourism and Aviation Committee meetings at the House of Representatives, chaired by MP Sahar Talaat Mustafa. The meeting included committee members and leaders from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and heads of private and low-cost airlines operating in Egypt. The discussions focused on strategies to support the aviation sector and enhance its role in boosting tourism inflow to Egypt.

The meeting addressed ways to assist private and low-cost airlines in expanding their operational networks and opening new routes, which would enhance air connectivity and provide diverse travel options at competitive prices. This initiative aims to improve their regional and international competitiveness while increasing tourist traffic to Egypt’s attractions.

Minister Hefni emphasized that the ministry is committed to developing a more efficient air transport system that diversifies carriers and expands operational bases to meet rising travel demand and support tourism growth plans. He noted that private and low-cost airlines complement the national carrier by opening new markets and enhancing connections with regional and international destinations.

During the meeting, Hefni highlighted EgyptAir’s international expansion efforts, including launching a direct route from Cairo to Los Angeles in May and a Cairo-Chicago route set for June 2026. He also cited Air Cairo as a successful model in low-cost aviation, contributing to expanded operational networks.

The Minister explained that an exceptional incentive package for Summer 2026 was introduced following a Cabinet decision. This package aims to support airlines operating in the Egyptian market by encouraging them to increase flight operations and seat capacities to Egyptian tourist destinations, thereby enhancing air traffic inflow and supporting the tourism sector.

Hefni described this package as a significant step toward improving the competitiveness of Egyptian tourist destinations through operational incentives that alleviate burdens on airlines, encouraging them to expand flight services, particularly to Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada airports during Summer 2026.

He noted that the ministry is closely monitoring the implementation of this package in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Civil Aviation Authority, and all relevant entities to ensure operational targets are met while increasing growth rates in air traffic, thereby supporting plans to stimulate inbound tourism.

Furthermore, he mentioned that fuel prices account for approximately 40% of operating costs. The aviation industry is highly sensitive with profit margins ranging between 2% and 4%. Hefni pointed out that global increases in fuel prices due to international tensions, including U.S.-Iran conflicts, have impacted operating costs worldwide.

The government is moving towards localizing industries related to clean energy while reducing reliance on traditional fuels. Hefni emphasized that environmental sustainability has become a priority for global aviation as efforts are made to reduce emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

He expressed his gratitude to MP Sahar Talaat Mustafa, Chair of the Tourism and Aviation Committee, committee members, and all participants for their efforts in addressing challenges facing both aviation and tourism sectors while enhancing institutional collaboration for national economic benefit.

In response, MP Sahar Talaat Mustafa reiterated the committee’s goal of finding comprehensive solutions for challenges faced by private airlines and low-cost carriers. This effort aims to enable them to expand operations while boosting competitiveness in line with national objectives for stimulating tourism flow into Egypt.

The committee chair explained that these meetings are part of ongoing discussions held with private airlines over recent months, during which key challenges were identified along with actionable solutions.

Among the main challenges discussed were varying fuel prices at different airports leading to increased operating costs affecting ticket prices and companies’ competitive abilities. Additionally, issues regarding operational access at critical airports such as Sphinx Airport were raised.

Sahar Talaat Mustafa stressed that tourism is one of Egypt’s vital sources of foreign currency; thus it requires flexible policies and incentives aligned with current market dynamics and geopolitical circumstances to ensure continuous tourist inflow.

Representatives from participating private airlines expressed their sincere appreciation for the Tourism and Aviation Committee’s ongoing support for their sector, highlighting their commitment to addressing challenges collaboratively while working towards practical solutions that enhance competitiveness and expand operations.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on maintaining coordination among all parties involved in supporting air transport industry development as a means of bolstering both national economy and tourism sector moving forward.