Dr. Sameh Ahmed Zaky Elhefny joined Egypt’s Cabinet as Minister of Civil Aviation in July 2024, having previously served as President of the Holding Company of the Egyptian Academy of Aviation Sciences and Chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority from 2018. As part of his forward-looking vision to expand Egypt’s presence in global aviation and accelerate airport development, Cairo International Airport was ranked Africa’s
busiest airport by scheduled seat capacity in September 2026. He has also overseen preparations for the second edition of the Egypt International Airshow (EIAS 2026), reinforcing Egypt’s position as a regional hub for aviation and aerospace.