Reflecting Egypt’s final preparations for the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opening, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly conducted an on-site inspection today at the newly upgraded Sphinx International Airport in western Cairo, emphasizing its role as a central gateway for dignitaries and tourists arriving for the global event.
The Prime Minister was joined by senior government officials, including:
- Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport
- Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
- Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation
- Dr. Hend Abdel Halim, Deputy Governor of Giza
- Maj. Gen. Magdy Anwar, Director General of the Armed Forces’ National Service Projects Authority
- Wael El-Nashar, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company
- Maj. Gen. Atef Moftah, Chief Engineer of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project
A Strategic Hub Near Egypt’s Cultural Heart
Prime Minister Madbouly highlighted that Sphinx International Airport is more than just an air terminal—it’s a strategic air hub positioned just minutes from the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, giving it a critical role in Egypt’s cultural tourism ecosystem.
“This airport’s geographic proximity to the GEM and Giza Plateau makes it ideal for hosting international delegations and high-profile tourists.”
He added that with the upcoming global spotlight on Egypt during the GEM opening, the airport must reflect the country’s civilizational prestige and service excellence.
Tour of Terminal Facilities
During the inspection, the Prime Minister visited the departure and arrival halls, reviewing:
- Check-in counters and passport control stations
- Customs and baggage handling areas, ensuring smooth traveler flow
- Presidential and VIP lounges, designed to host high-ranking officials and dignitaries with top-tier comfort and hospitality
He stressed the importance of continuous maintenance, professional staff presence, and swift response to operational challenges, noting that every detail must convey Egypt’s commitment to excellence.
Landscaping and Infrastructure Enhancements
The tour also included a review of external development works at the airport entrance. Deputy Governor Dr. Hend Abdel Halim reported that:
- Palm trees and landscaping have been completed at 100%
- Irrigation networks, water wells, and soil cover systems are fully installed
- Electrical infrastructure, including underground cabling and 90% of lighting fixtures, is near completion
At the end of the tour, the Prime Minister praised the Ministry of Civil Aviation, led by Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, and the broader project teams for their rapid and high-quality work.
GEM: Gateway to Egypt’s Tourism Reawakening
The Grand Egyptian Museum, located just outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids, is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts—including the entire Tutankhamun collection—many of which will be on display for the first time.
Its grand opening is expected to draw world leaders, cultural icons, archaeologists, and millions of tourists, positioning Egypt as a premier global destination for cultural heritage tourism.
