Hurghada International Airport has achieved its highest-ever daily operational traffic, handling 389 takeoffs and landings and approximately 67,000 passengers on Saturday, October 31, 2026, marking a new milestone for Egypt’s aviation and tourism sectors.
The airport recorded an increase of 31 flight movements compared to its previous record of 358 movements, set on November 1, 2025, representing growth of 8.7%.
Passenger traffic also witnessed significant growth, reaching approximately 67,000 travelers, compared to 56,641 passengers recorded on the previous record-setting day. This represents an increase of 10,359 passengers, or 18.3%, more than double the growth rate recorded in flight movements.
According to the latest operational figures, arriving passengers reached approximately 33,500, marking an increase of 24.1%, while departing passengers also totaled around 33,500, representing growth of 13% compared to the previous record period.
El-Hefny: Rising Traffic Reflects Growing International Demand for Egyptian Tourism
Commenting on the achievement, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny said the record-breaking operational figures at Hurghada International Airport reflect growing international demand for Egypt’s tourism destinations, particularly as the winter tourism season gets underway.
He noted that these indicators highlight the vital role of the civil aviation sector in supporting inbound tourism growth and strengthening the capacity of Egyptian airports to accommodate increasing international air traffic.
El-Hefny emphasized that developing airport infrastructure, expanding passenger-handling capacity and improving operational efficiency remain strategic priorities for the ministry.
These efforts aim to keep pace with the continued growth in air traffic while ensuring efficient, high-quality services and adherence to the highest international standards of safety and security.
He added that enhancing airport capabilities would strengthen the competitiveness of Egypt’s airports and reinforce the country’s position as a regional and international hub for air transport and tourism.
Egyptian Airports Company Highlights Operational Readiness
For his part, Pilot Wael El-Nashar, Chairman of the Egyptian Airports Company, said the record performance demonstrates Hurghada International Airport’s operational efficiency and the readiness of its various departments to manage exceptionally high passenger and flight volumes.
He explained that continuous coordination among all airport stakeholders, together with enhanced workforce readiness, plays a key role in maintaining flight schedules, accelerating arrival and departure procedures, and ensuring the highest levels of safety, security and service quality.
El-Nashar added that the Egyptian Airports Company continuously monitors operational performance and traffic indicators across its airports, while strengthening technical and human-resource preparations, particularly at tourism-focused airports.
These measures are designed to ensure that airports can efficiently accommodate the expected increase in flights and passenger numbers in the coming period.
The record comes as Egypt enters its winter tourism season, which typically witnesses increased international flights to the country’s major tourist destinations, particularly along the Red Sea coast.
The strong performance further reinforces Hurghada International Airport’s role as a key gateway for international visitors and supports Egypt’s broader efforts to expand tourism activity and strengthen the contribution of the aviation sector to the national economy.
