In the first phase of Egypt’s plan to involve private investors in its airports' development, management, and operation, five major airports will be offered to private operators, according to sources who spoke to Al Arabiya.

These airports include Cairo International Airport, Sphinx International Airport, El Alamein International Airport, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, and Hurghada International Airport.

The Egyptian government also plans to extend this initiative in later phases to Luxor and Aswan airports. One source revealed that Aswan International Airport is intended to be developed as a hub for flights from sub-Saharan Africa.

Civil Aviation Minister, Sameh Elhefny, emphasized that these airports will remain under Egyptian state sovereignty and are not for sale.

Instead, the private sector will take over the management and operation of the commercial activities within the airports, not ownership.

The involvement of international operators is expected to attract major airlines to establish direct routes to Egypt from key markets like the US, Europe, and East Asia, which currently operate mostly indirect flights. This could significantly boost tourism and air cargo volumes from new markets.

Recently, Minister Elhefny mentioned that six international companies had shown interest in managing Egypt’s airports.

 Discussions with Greek infrastructure investment company Copelouzos Group about potential joint projects have already taken place, according to Elhefny.

The government first announced plans to involve private sector companies in airport management in November 2023, with updates on the privatization of airports and banks expected soon.