Air connectivity between Egypt and the UAE is expected to expand following a new memorandum of understanding that provides for the phased enlargement of bilateral air transport rights, allowing airlines from both countries greater flexibility to increase services in line with growing demand. The agreement is designed to reinforce direct air links while supporting passenger movement, trade and investment. According to Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the initiative also responds to increasing travel demand and further enhances aviation cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement follows a letter of intent signed in April 2025 by the two aviation authorities covering artificial intelligence, strategic planning and the exchange of expertise. That earlier arrangement also established a joint steering committee responsible for overseeing its implementation. The latest step on bilateral air transport rights comes as the Middle East continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub.
Based on figures from the International Air Transport Association, airlines from the region accounted for about 10 percent of global passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger-km, during 2025, handling more than 900 billion RPKs through extensive long-haul networks linking Asia, Europe and Africa.
Agreement Supports Aviation Growth and Regional Connectivity
In a press release, the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “The signing of the memorandum of understanding embodies the depth of Egyptian-Emirati relations and reflects the shared vision to enhance cooperation in civil aviation in a way that keeps pace with the rapid developments taking place in the air transport industry at the regional and international levels.”
The ministry stated that the memorandum provides for the gradual expansion of bilateral air transport rights, enabling carriers from Egypt and the UAE to introduce additional services as market demand continues to rise. It also noted that Egypt remains focused on expanding the country’s air connectivity by modernising bilateral agreements and deepening cooperation with strategic partners. These efforts are intended to improve the efficiency of Egypt’s air transport system, enhance the competitiveness of its airports and reinforce the country’s role as a regional aviation centre.
The memorandum was signed by Sameh Fawzy, chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and Saif Al-Suwaidi, director general of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, in the presence of Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny during the second day of the 11th ICAO Africa-Indian Ocean Aviation Week in Cairo. The ministry added that Al-Suwaidi viewed the memorandum as a reflection of the trust and coordination between the two civil aviation authorities and described it as an important milestone for expanding cooperation. It further stated that the agreement would promote sustainable growth in air transport while supporting the continued rise in travel between Egypt and the UAE through the expansion of bilateral air transport rights.
