By Mohamed Attia Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny has hailed Egyptian airports as a model for advanced security systems, citing their use of cutting-edge technology, risk-based frameworks, and strengthened international partnerships. Speaking at the International Civil Aviation Security Summit in Cairo, El-Hefny said Egypt’s strategic geographic location and the numerous flight paths crossing its skies place a heavy responsibility on the country to ensure the safety of regional and international air traffic. He said the ministry, in coordination with security agencies, had overhauled its national aviation security framework in line with ICAO standards and global best practices. “Elaborate security systems and modern technologies have made Egyptian airports a benchmark for the region,” he told participants at the summit, held at Le Méridien Hotel near Cairo International Airport. El-Hefny also highlighted the role of Egyptian airlines in expanding regional co-operation and operating flights to dynamic destinations across various regions — a move made possible through close coordination with Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority and regional regulators. “This reflects Egypt’s capacity to drive regional aviation integration,” he said. The two-day summit — organised by MedAire, a global aviation security solutions provider — drew senior aviation officials, international experts and airline representatives to discuss evolving threats and innovative strategies to safeguard air travel. The event marked the first time the summit was held in Cairo. Ahmed Adel, chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, stressed the national carrier’s investment in aviation safety and security, citing partnerships with global firms and the continuous assessment of security risks. “Our aviation security teams work tirelessly around the clock,” Adel said. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards through collaboration with governments and industry leaders.” He pointed to the airline’s partnership with MedAire as a reflection of its drive to harness expert solutions and smart technologies to ensure protection. Mohamed Abu Bakr Farea, ICAO’s regional director for the Middle East, warned of the complex challenges facing the sector — from cyber threats to the misuse of modern aviation technologies. He said fast-growing air networks in the region require “flexible, adaptive security strategies” and stressed the need for robust international co-operation. “The Middle East faces growing security threats,” Farea said. “We must adopt proactive, agile practices to keep pace with the evolving landscape.” Hany Bakr, MedAire’s senior vice president for aviation and navigation security, echoed the call for deeper coordination. “Security today is no longer about building walls, but building bridges and trust,” he said. “We must shift from reactive to predictive approaches — combining modern technology, human expertise and geopolitical awareness.” The summit focused on analysing emerging risks for 2025 and beyond, and exploring advanced technical solutions in aviation insurance, threat assessment and regulatory coordination. Cairo’s hosting of the event was seen as a recognition of Egypt’s growing stature on the global aviation map and its central role in securing air navigation in the region. MedAire, a subsidiary of SOS International, is a global leader in aviation medical and security services. It has worked with over 200 commercial airlines and 7,000 private aviation clients across the globe, drawing on more than 40 years of industry expertise to provide training, consultancy and emergency support.