ICAO chief praises Egypt’s handling of surge in diverted flights amid regional airspace closures

CAIRO – 19 April 2026: The chief of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has praised Egypt’s handling of a large number of emergency and diverted flights amid recent regional airspace closures caused by conflict in the region.

During a meeting on Sunday with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Egypt, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar said Egypt managed these challenges efficiently and responsibly, ensuring the continued safety and order of air traffic operations.

The ICAO chief commended Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting and developing the civil aviation sector regionally and internationally.

The meeting highlighted ongoing cooperation between Egypt and ICAO, including the signing of an agreement to renew Cairo’s hosting of the organization’s Middle East Regional Office.

‘Integrated Modernization Plan’

El-Sisi said Egypt is implementing a comprehensive plan to modernize its civil aviation system.

He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to developing civil aviation as a strategic sector closely linked to comprehensive economic development.

The president underlined the sector’s pivotal role in supporting trade, tourism, and investment, and in boosting connectivity between markets and countries.

El-Sisi said Egypt’s integrated modernization plan includes upgrading infrastructure, improving service quality, enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening technical and human capacities, and expanding airport capacity.

Egypt-ICAO Cooperation

Attending the meeting, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny outlined technical and operational cooperation between the two sides, stressing Egypt’s determination to build on recent achievements in line with the opportunities and challenges facing the civil aviation sector.

El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s appreciation for ICAO’s role as the global reference body regulating international civil aviation and ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

The president also praised cooperation between Egypt and ICAO at both the bilateral and regional levels, particularly given Cairo’s hosting of the organization’s regional office.