The head of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) praised Egypt for successfully accommodating a surge of emergency and rescheduled flights forced by airspace closures during the recent regional conflict.
ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar commended the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation and local airports for managing the disruptions efficiently and responsibly, ensuring the safe and orderly continuation of air traffic. Salazar made the remarks during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny, and ICAO Middle East Regional Director Mohamed Rahma.
The talks also resulted in the signing of an agreement to renew Egypt’s hosting of the ICAO Middle East Regional Office in Cairo, according to El-Hefny. The minister reviewed technical and operational cooperation with the organisation, affirming Egypt’s intention to build on past achievements and continue joint work to address future opportunities and challenges in the sector.
Outlining domestic efforts, Al-Sisi detailed a comprehensive plan to modernise Egypt’s civil aviation system. The initiative includes upgrading infrastructure, improving service quality, raising operational efficiency, enhancing human and technical capacities, and increasing the overall capacity of Egyptian airports.
Presidential spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy said Al-Sisi emphasised the sector’s strategic importance to comprehensive economic development, trade, tourism, investment, and cross-border market connectivity.
Al-Sisi also expressed appreciation for ICAO’s role as the international authority regulating global civil aviation safety and operational efficiency. Both sides affirmed the necessity of continuing to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation, while Salazar lauded Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting and developing the aviation sector internationally and regionally.
