Cairo International Airport Sets New Passenger Records

The Aïd al-Fitr holidays this year, celebrated during the Ramadan festival, showcased exceptional performance for Cairo International Airport. April 13, 2024 will remain etched in history as the airport handled 746 flights (arrivals and departures) and accommodated 94,000 passengers, setting a new daily record since the start of its commercial operations in 1945.

From April 9 to 14, Cairo International Airport, situated in Heliopolis, Cairo, Egypt, greeted an impressive 3,636 flights, carrying a total of 500,000 passengers. This surge in travel activity represents a significant peak for the airport.

In response to the increased demand, the airport administration deployed all available resources according to a action plan developed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with relevant authorities.

This plan aimed to efficiently manage the influx of passengers and air traffic, especially during holidays and peak periods. Acting upon the directives of Mohammed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Civil Aviation, airport staff worked to ensure the provision of necessary facilities and services to travelers. Additionally, special attention was given to pilgrims returning from the Holy Lands, with dedicated 24-hour teams stationed in passenger terminals to facilitate smooth transitions and provide assistance as needed.

Continued Growth

This remarkable performance underscores the ongoing growth in traffic to Egypt’s primary aviation gateway. The previous daily record, set just a year ago on April 24, 2023, saw the airport handle 612 flights and accommodate 82,000 passengers. Before that, the record dated back to Dec. 30, 2022, with 77,000 passengers welcomed in a single day.

Beyond these peak periods, Cairo’s airport was the most sought-after in Africa in 2022, accommodating 20,009,336 travelers, according to ACI Africa, the continental branch of the Airports Council International (ACI).

Earlier on January 15, the Egyptian government unveiled plans to double Cairo International Airport’s capacity. This project entails the construction of a new passenger terminal, poised to accommodate 30 million passengers annually, effectively more than doubling its existing capacity.

Furthermore, the Minister of Civil Aviation, Mohamed Abbas Helmy, announced that Egypt will initiate an international bidding process to oversee and manage Egyptian airports. Speaking during an interview with CNBC Arabic on February 26, Helmy confirmed that the bid would encompass all airports, including Cairo International Airport.

In alignment with previous reports, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the importance of engaging private sector entities in managing and operating Egyptian airports. Notably, the Egyptian government disclosed plans in November 2023 to tender contracts to private firms for airport management and operation. Prime Minister Madbouly reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering partnerships with the private sector, affirming its intent to delegate airport management and operation to private entities in the foreseeable future.

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Victor Shalton

Victor Shalton's love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.

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