EgyptAir Fleet to Reach 97 Aircraft by 2030 Under Expansion Plan

This article is based on an official press release from State Information Service (SIS) Egypt.

Egypt Outlines Sweeping Aviation Modernization Strategy for 2030

Egypt has officially unveiled a comprehensive, multi-year strategy to overhaul its civil aviation sector, anchored by a significant fleet expansion for the national carrier, EgyptAir. According to an April 22, 2026, press release from the State Information Service (SIS), Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny presented the modernization roadmap during a session with the House of Representatives’ Tourism and Civil Aviation Committee. The plan is designed to align with the broader “Egypt Vision 2030” national agenda, aiming to bolster tourism, enhance global competitiveness, and secure long-term financial stability for state-owned Airlines.

The cornerstone of the strategy involves expanding EgyptAir’s fleet to 97 Commercial-Aircraft by the 2030/2031 fiscal year, alongside aggressive growth for its low-cost subsidiary, Air Cairo. Furthermore, the government is fast-tracking major infrastructure developments, most notably the construction of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airports, to accommodate a projected surge in international visitors.

In addition to physical infrastructure and fleet growth, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is prioritizing digital transformation and environmental Sustainability. By integrating advanced technological systems and exploring SAF production, Egypt aims to solidify its position as a premier aviation hub bridging Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Fleet Expansion and Financial Turnaround

EgyptAir and Air Cairo Growth

To increase capacity and route flexibility, EgyptAir will add 34 new aircraft to its fleet, reaching a total of 97 aircraft by the end of the decade. According to the SIS release and supplementary industry reports, this expansion will likely include a mix of wide-body and narrow-body jets to support the airline’s long-haul ambitions. The national carrier has already shown signs of operational improvement, advancing 20 positions to rank 68th in the 2025 Skytrax list of the world’s top 100 airlines.

Simultaneously, Air Cairo is undergoing an aggressive expansion to serve as a vital economic engine for the country’s tourism sector. The low-cost carrier, which currently operates 41 aircraft, plans to double its fleet to 82 aircraft over the next four years. According to government figures, Air Cairo currently transports 20 percent of all inbound tourism traffic to Egypt and 30 percent of the traffic specifically directed to Hurghada International Airport. To maximize operational efficiency, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has engaged a global consultancy to integrate Air Cairo’s route network with EgyptAir’s, preventing route cannibalization and expanding reach into new markets.

Financial Health and Ticket Pricing

Minister El-Hefny reported to parliament that EgyptAir has recently posted record profits. The ministry has implemented a strict financial roadmap designed to entirely eliminate the airline’s accumulated historical losses within the next four years.

Addressing parliamentary concerns regarding rising ticket prices, particularly on return flights from Gulf countries, El-Hefny clarified that the increases were not indicative of a new pricing policy. Instead, he attributed the hikes to external pressures.

“Recent price increases were driven by exceptional operational conditions, including route adjustments, one-way flights with partial load factors, and higher fuel, insurance, and operating costs, while maintaining regular flight operations despite these challenges.”

, Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, via SIS Egypt

The Minister also emphasized the airline’s commitment to consumer protection, stating, “EgyptAir fully adheres to contractual passenger rights, especially for round-trip tickets.”

Infrastructure Upgrades and Sustainability

Cairo International Airport Terminal 4

To support the state’s ambitious target of welcoming 30 million tourists annually by the end of the decade, the Egyptian government is accelerating the construction of Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport. According to the modernization strategy, the new terminal will add at least 30 million in passenger capacity, effectively raising the airport’s total annual capacity to over 60 million passengers.

The facility is being designed as a “smart airport,” featuring advanced technological systems for air navigation, ground operations, and passenger flow management. The project also includes a new runway, solar-paneled car parks, and seamless road network links.

Green Aviation Initiatives

Aligning with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, Egypt’s aviation sector is expanding its reliance on renewable energy. Solar power initiatives are already active at Cairo, Alexandria, and Borg El Arab airports, with plans for a nationwide rollout. Furthermore, the government is currently studying the establishment of a local Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility in coordination with other ministries.

Digital Transformation and Regulatory Reform

In collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Cairo International Airport has successfully replaced traditional paper-based passport control cards with a fully digital system. This “digital borders” initiative is being gradually rolled out to all Egyptian airports to streamline passenger processing and bolster cybersecurity.

On the legislative front, parliamentarians commended recent regulatory updates, specifically Decree No. 333 of 2026. This decree amends the executive regulations of the Civil Aviation Law, creating a more flexible and investment-friendly environment to attract foreign and private capital into the sector.

AirPro News analysis

We view Egypt’s 2026–2030 aviation modernization strategy as a critical defensive and offensive maneuver in an increasingly crowded Middle Eastern aviation market. The regional landscape is currently defined by fierce competition, most notably from Saudi Arabia’s massive aviation investments, including the launch of Riyadh Air and the expansion of its own mega-hubs. For Egypt to maintain its historical position as a primary gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, the expansion of Cairo International Airport and the modernization of EgyptAir are strategic necessities.

Furthermore, the deep integration of aviation and tourism in Egypt’s economy cannot be overstated. Hitting the national target of 30 million annual tourists requires the exact capacity increases outlined in this plan. We also note that the leadership of Minister Sameh El-Hefny, a former pilot and former head of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority with a PhD in Aviation Crisis Management, lends significant operational credibility to these ambitious financial and logistical turnaround targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many aircraft will EgyptAir have by 2030?

Under the new expansion plan, EgyptAir will add 34 new aircraft, bringing its total fleet to 97 aircraft by the 2030/2031 fiscal year.

What are the expansion plans for Air Cairo?

Air Cairo plans to double its current fleet of 41 aircraft to 82 aircraft over the next four years to support inbound tourism.

What is the capacity of the new Terminal 4 at Cairo International Airport?

Terminal 4 is projected to add at least 30 million in passenger capacity, raising Cairo International Airport’s total capacity to over 60 million passengers annually.

Why have EgyptAir ticket prices increased recently?

According to the Minister of Civil Aviation, recent price hikes are due to exceptional operational conditions, including route adjustments, one-way flights with partial load factors, and escalating fuel and insurance costs, rather than a shift in pricing policy.

Sources:

• State Information Service (SIS) Egypt