Cairo International Airport has made headlines after achieving a remarkable operational milestone. On February 14, 2026, it recorded a staggering 737 flights within a single day, marking its status as Africa’s top hub. This achievement highlights the airport’s significant contribution to both the local and international aviation sectors.
Record Flight Operations and Passenger Movement
On this record-breaking day, Cairo Airport saw the movement of 111,212 passengers through both arrivals and departures. Of the total flights:
- International Flights: 584 flights with 96,156 passengers.
- Domestic Flights: 132 flights carrying 15,020 passengers.
- Special and Cargo Flights: 11 flights contributing to the bustling airport activity.
This operational feat underscores the airport’s dual role as a major transit point for international travelers and a welcoming hub for incoming visitors. Notably, 48,494 travelers departed from Cairo, while 47,662 arrived.
Driving Factors Behind the Operational Success
Airport authorities attribute this seamless performance to effective collaboration among various operational entities. Continuous monitoring of departure and arrival terminals has become essential in managing high passenger volumes. An official emphasized the importance of streamlined procedures, ensuring punctuality and smooth processing at all operational levels.
A Comprehensive Overview of January 2026 Data
The success of Cairo International Airport is not just a one-off event. According to the latest data from OAG – Schedules Analyser, the airport held the largest international flight seat capacity in Africa for January 2026, boasting approximately 1.75 million departing seats. This figure represents a year-on-year growth of 10.3 percent, further solidifying Cairo’s position as the continent’s busiest aviation hub.
Comparative Analysis of African Airports
In comparison with other African airports, Cairo leads the way in overall capacity. The top ten, according to latest statistics, includes:
- Cairo International Airport (Egypt)
- Addis Ababa Airport (Ethiopia)
- Johannesburg Airport (South Africa)
- Casablanca Airport (Morocco)
- Cape Town Airport (South Africa)
- Lagos Airport (Nigeria)
- Marrakech Airport (Morocco)
- Algiers Airport (Algeria)
- Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Kenya)
- Hurghada Airport (Egypt)
The inclusion of Hurghada further emphasizes Egypt’s stronghold in the region’s aviation ecosystem.
The Growth Landscape of African Aviation
As the aviation sector recovers, other airports are also experiencing growth. Airports in Morocco have shown significant seat capacity increases. For example:
- Casablanca Airport: capacity increased by 18.1%.
- Marrakech Airport: capacity grew by 17.5%.
This growth is linked to the resurgence of international tourism and expanding air connectivity.
The Future of Cairo International Airport
Cairo’s authorities are aware that maintaining high traffic volumes requires relentless vigilance. A commitment to modernization remains a priority, including enhancing passenger facilities and employing advanced technologies like improved baggage handling systems.
Looking forward, the future of Cairo International Airport appears promising. With increased competition among airlines and airports, there is potential for innovations in service and operational efficiency. Cairo is well-positioned to continue connecting Africa with the world, reinforcing its role as a pivotal hub in the aviation landscape.
