Cairo: Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El Hefny announced that EgyptAir is set to expand its fleet to 97 aircraft by the 2030/31 fiscal year as part of an extensive development strategy. This plan involves the acquisition of 34 new aircraft and aims to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister highlighted EgyptAir's improved international ranking, rising to 68th in the 2025 Skytrax rankings, a significant leap of 20 positions from the previous year. The airline has also posted record profits and is strategically positioned to eliminate accumulated losses within the next four years.
El Hefny shared these insights during a meeting with the House of Representatives' Tourism and Civil Aviation Committee, chaired by MP Sahar Talaat Mostafa. The session, attended by MPs Amr Darwish, Hisham Hussein, Ahmed El-Ashmouny, and other committee members, focused on the air transport system, passenger services, and the sector's plans to tackle regional challenges and prepare for the Hajj season.
Discussions at the meeting addressed air ticket pricing, particularly for return flights from Gulf countries. El Hefny assured that EgyptAir adheres to contractual passenger rights, emphasizing that recent price increases were due to exceptional operational conditions such as route adjustments, partial load factors on one-way flights, and increased fuel, insurance, and operating costs.
The meeting also covered strategic projects like the construction of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport, which will increase the airport's capacity to over 60 million passengers annually and introduce advanced operational and technological systems to enhance the travel experience.
Regarding Air Cairo, El Hefny noted the airline's role in supporting tourism, with plans to expand its fleet from 41 to 82 aircraft over the next four years. The minister emphasized efforts to integrate Air Cairo's network with EgyptAir's to maximize efficiency and expand market reach. Air Cairo currently transports 20% of inbound tourism traffic to Egypt and 30% to Hurghada International Airport.
On environmental sustainability, El Hefny reiterated the sector's commitment to green aviation, highlighting the use of solar energy at airports and plans to establish a local sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility. These initiatives align with Egypt's Vision 2030 for sustainable development and the International Civil Aviation Organization's strategy for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Preparations for the upcoming Hajj season were also discussed, with El Hefny detailing operational plans to ensure smooth operations and high-quality services for pilgrims at EgyptAir and Cairo Airport.
In terms of digital transformation, the minister highlighted progress in upgrading systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and transitioning to digital passport control at Cairo International Airport. This system will be rolled out across other Egyptian airports to streamline procedures and improve passenger experience.
El Hefny praised security agencies for their role in successfully implementing the digital system, emphasizing the importance of training and capacity-building in enhancing operational efficiency and aviation safety.
Parliament members commended the ministry's modernization efforts, particularly legislative updates like Decree No. 333 of 2026, which amends the Civil Aviation Law to improve the investment climate and support digital transformation.
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to a comprehensive civil aviation development strategy focused on sustainability, institutional modernization, and operational efficiency, aimed at reinforcing Egypt's position as a key regional air transport hub. He stressed the importance of coordination between the executive and legislative branches to advance reform and ensure a flexible, investment-friendly regulatory environment.