Egypt has launched a tender to appoint a private-sector partner to manage, operate and develop Hurghada International Airport, marking the first step in a broader plan to involve private operators in 11 airports nationwide, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said.
The ministry has invited qualified consortia and specialised companies to submit prequalification applications, as part of a state asset partnership programme launched in June 2023 with advisory support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Hurghada, Egypt’s second-busiest airport and a key gateway for Red Sea tourism, was selected as the pilot project. Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny said upgrading the airport is critical to improving operational efficiency and expanding capacity to meet growing passenger demand.
Under the model, full state ownership of airport assets will be retained, while the selected private partner will oversee development and operations under regulated conditions. Hurghada handled about 10.5 million passengers in FY 2024–2025, up 22% year-on-year, leading Egypt in passenger traffic.
The IFC is advising the government on both the Hurghada transaction and the wider airport partnership strategy, which aims to enhance passenger services, attract private investment and support Egypt’s goal of reaching 30 million tourists annually by 2030.
