Ministry of Civil Aviation Opens Tender for Hurghada Airport

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched an international tender to select private sector partners to manage, operate and develop Hurghada International Airport. The bidding process was officially opened this week, signalling the government’s move to introduce private participation across the country’s airport network. Hurghada International Airport — one of the country’s busiest international gateways and a crucial hub for Red Sea tourism — is the first airport to be included in the pilot phase of a broader programme that aims to involve private operators in managing up to 11 airports nationwide. Under the tender, qualified consortia and specialised aviation companies are invited to submit prequalification applications as part of the public-private partnership (PPP) process. The selected partner will operate the airport while ownership of assets remains with the state; the arrangement is intended to improve operational efficiency and service quality. The initiative forms part of Egypt’s wider strategy to attract private investment into key infrastructure sectors and to bolster capacity in line with rising passenger demand. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, Hurghada International Airport handled roughly 10.5 million passengers, reflecting a notable increase in traffic.