By Mohamed Attia
Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny continued his inspection tours of Egyptian airports, visiting Hurghada International Airport to oversee operations and assess services provided to passengers.
El-Hefny was accompanied by senior officials from the ministry and members of the Administrative Control Authority, as well as other relevant airport authorities.
The visit began with a comprehensive briefing on the recent developments at Hurghada International Airport, which has a capacity of 13 million passengers annually.
The airport has undergone expansions, terminal upgrades, and infrastructure improvements to meet the growing demand. The focus was on enhancing service levels and improving the overall passenger experience, reflecting Egypt’s commitment to modernising its airports in line with international standards.
El-Hefny inspected the international and domestic departure and arrival halls in terminals 1 and 2, ensuring smooth passenger flow from arrival to departure. He also reviewed the baggage handling area, customs, immigration counters, duty-free shops, and the airport apron.
Additionally, the minister visited the new crisis management room, air traffic control tower, and the advanced CCTV surveillance room, which is equipped with cameras covering all critical areas of the airport.
This centralised system operates 24/7, enhancing security by monitoring operations, cargo movements, aircraft, and ground equipment. The surveillance system also tracks the movement of staff and passengers, ensuring safety throughout the airport.
El-Hefny emphasised the importance of coordination between all airport entities to provide top-level service and maintain high standards of safety and comfort for travelers. He engaged with airport staff and passengers to understand the challenges they face and called for quick solutions to improve performance and service quality at the airport.
The minister also highlighted the critical role of human resources in advancing the aviation sector. He stressed that investing in the skills of the workforce is key to achieving regional and international excellence.
El-Hefny reiterated that the Civil Aviation Ministry is committed to upgrading infrastructure to accommodate the expected increase in tourism and air travel. He noted that Hurghada International Airport, as a major gateway to Egypt, plays a vital role in attracting tourists and reinforcing the country’s position on the global tourism map.
