Arish: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly inspected the expansion of Arish International Airport on Sunday, April 19, 2026, during a visit to North Sinai.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the project will establish a civil aviation zone covering 823 acres, featuring a 17,500-square-metre passenger terminal with capacity for 800 passengers per hour. This includes departure and arrival halls, a VIP lounge, and a Hajj service hall.

A separate 3,500-sq-m VIP facility is planned to include a private gate, dedicated aircraft parking, an access road, and an international conference hall with simultaneous interpretation capabilities. Additionally, a smaller 480-sq-m arrivals and departures hall will accommodate up to 190 passengers.

The site will also host a 605-sq-m mosque for 400 worshippers, parking for 85 buses and 350 cars, two meteorological stations, and 30 administrative and service buildings. The airfield area will include two parallel runways, each 3 km long, and a main apron capable of handling 10 aircraft, along with service roads, totaling 480,000 sq m.

North Sinai Governor Khaled Maghawer emphasized that the airport development is part of a broader plan for the governorate, which involves infrastructure upgrades and the construction of new facilities. Madbouly highlighted the government's dedication to modernizing Egypt's airports to boost tourism.

Egypt's investment in airport upgrades and expansion projects nationwide aligns with its strategy to increase passenger capacity and support tourism, which is vital for foreign currency. The government aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2030 as part of Egypt's 2030 Vision.