IATA Awards Egypt Certificate of Confidence in Aviation Sector Growth

Egypt has secured a new international certificate of confidence reflecting the rapid development of its civil aviation sector, after Cairo transformed into a global platform for the air transport industry by hosting the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC 2026). IATA leaders widely praised the capabilities of the Egyptian sector and its future growth opportunities, which exceed global growth averages.

Egypt as a Regional Hub for Global Events

The 38th session of the IATA Ground Handling Conference, hosted by Egypt from May 19 to 21, 2026, confirmed the country's success in establishing itself as a regional center for specialized global events. It also highlighted the remarkable progress achieved by the civil aviation sector in accordance with the latest international standards.

The conference, one of the most prominent global gatherings specialized in ground handling services, witnessed wide praise from IATA leaders for the assets Egypt possesses to support the growth of the aviation industry and enhance its competitiveness in the coming years.

Forecasts for Air Travel Demand Growth

Nick Careen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security, stated that long-term forecasts indicate that demand for air travel in the Egyptian market will grow at an annual rate of 3.4% until 2050, with the potential to rise to 3.8% in an optimistic scenario. This reflects promising opportunities to support trade, tourism, and investment movements.

For her part, Monika Mejstrikova, IATA's Director of Ground Operations, praised the operational flexibility demonstrated by the Egyptian civil aviation sector in dealing with regional and operational challenges. She affirmed that efforts to develop ground handling services at Egyptian airports are progressing according to advanced global levels.

A Platform for Exchanging Expertise and Developing the Industry

The Ground Handling Conference represents an important international platform for exchanging expertise and discussing innovative solutions that contribute to developing the future of the industry globally. Egypt's selection to host the event for the first time since 2009 is a new indicator of the growing international confidence in the capabilities of the Egyptian civil aviation sector and its supporting infrastructure.

This success enhances Egypt's position as a leading regional center in the air transport industry and confirms its ability to host major specialized international events, supporting the state's plans to attract more investments and strengthen its pivotal role in the global aviation industry.