Egypt eyes $5 billion expansion for Cairo airport

Egypt is preparing to execute a massive expansion project at Cairo International Airport aimed at adding a processing capacity of 40 million passengers per year. This initiative seeks to elevate the facility's total annual throughput to approximately 70 million travelers.

The development falls under the Civil Aviation Ministry’s strategy to modernize infrastructure and accommodate rising travel demand. In July, the government presented the project’s execution status, confirming its classification as a strategic asset for airport development. By August, the Egyptian Presidency announced that the fourth passenger terminal would integrate artificial intelligence and digital transformation technologies to establish a smart, sustainable operational system.

Alliances compete for construction rights

According to sources cited by the "Economy Plus" platform, five Egyptian and international alliances have expressed interest in executing the work. The contenders include an Egyptian-Turkish consortium led by Orascom Construction, a partnership between Hassan Allam and Samsung, and an Egyptian-Kuwaiti group comprising Arab Contractors, Concord, and the Al-Kharafi Group.

Additional bidders include a coalition featuring Saudi-based Bin Laden Group subsidiary El-Marsa alongside a French firm, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), which is currently seeking an Egyptian partner. Sources indicate the estimated cost ranges between $3.5 billion and $5 billion. The project is expected to go out for international tender once design and consulting phases are complete, with the winning alliance selected based on technical and financial proposals. The Civil Aviation Ministry has not officially disclosed these specific details in its public statements.

Passenger numbers exceed current limits

The urgency for expansion stems from traffic volumes surpassing the design capacity of the existing three terminals. Data from the Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation shows Cairo recorded over 31.29 million passengers in 2025, compared to roughly 28.97 million in 2024.

Egypt aims to use the new terminal to increase its ability to host airlines and passengers while boosting transit activity. Authorities highlight Cairo’s geographic position connecting African, Asian, and European markets as a key advantage. The broader vision involves transforming the airport into a primary regional hub for air transport and logistics. The government confirmed the new building will utilize advanced airport operating technologies, adhering to sustainability standards and resource efficiency criteria.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi directed that the new terminal be constructed according to global benchmarks in design, technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency. He also emphasized the need to attract foreign investment through strategic partnerships within the civil aviation sector.