Aviation Minister checks Sphinx International Airport ahead of GEM inauguration

CAIRO – 6 March 2025: Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny conducted an inspection tour of Sphinx International Airport to check its readiness for receiving international guests and world leaders ahead of the official inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) due on July 3, 2025.

The minister checked the airport services and ensured the ease of the travel and arrival procedures at the airport, according to a statement released by the ministry.

The tour included an inspection of the departure and arrival halls (international and domestic), as well as the passport and customs counters to ensure the speedy completion of procedures, the baggage belt area, banks, rest areas, and the VIP lounges, the statement added.

The minister also inspected the other services provided in cafeterias, the duty-free area, and the information center, in addition to inspecting the security room that contains the surveillance camera system.

El-Hefni stressed that EgyptAir and Air Cairo coordinate to operate direct flights to Sphinx Airport, with the allocation of a wide-body aircraft to accommodate the delegations set to attend the GEM inauguration and provide flexible flight options that contribute to facilitating visitors' access to the Grand Egyptian Museum. 

The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 3, 2025, Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority announced, confirming that the organization will be entirely Egyptian-led, with the United Media Services Company (UMS) taking full responsibility. The new inauguration will display, for the first time, the treasures of King Tutankhamun.

He noted that UMS had previously achieved outstanding success in organizing the Royal Mummies Parade and the inauguration of the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor.