On February 14, 2026, Cairo International Airport soared to new heights, recording a staggering 737 flights within a single 24-hour period. According to official statistics reported by local authorities and echoed by OAG – Schedules Analyser, this operational feat translated into the movement of 111,212 passengers across both departures and arrivals. These numbers not only underscore the airport’s daily capacity but also illustrate Egypt’s growing prominence in the African and global aviation landscape.
International traffic dominated the day, with 584 flights ferrying 96,156 passengers. Of these, 48,494 travelers departed from Cairo, while 47,662 arrived, highlighting the airport’s dual role as both a gateway for outbound journeys and a welcoming point for incoming visitors. Domestic operations, though smaller in scale, were still significant, comprising 132 flights and 15,020 passengers. Additionally, 11 special and cargo flights contributed to the day’s bustling activity, reflecting the diversity of traffic that Cairo International Airport manages on a daily basis.
Airport authorities were quick to attribute this seamless performance to the close coordination among various operating entities. Continuous monitoring of departure halls, arrival terminals, and airside operations has become the norm for Egypt’s primary aviation hub. Officials emphasized that streamlined procedures and integrated operational oversight have been instrumental in ensuring punctual departures, smooth passenger processing, and consistent service standards, even as traffic volumes reach new peaks. “Our focus on operational efficiency and passenger experience has been central to managing elevated traffic levels,” an official stated, underscoring the airport’s commitment to excellence.
But Cairo’s achievements are not limited to a single day. The latest African aviation market data for January 2026, as compiled by OAG – Schedules Analyser, paints a broader picture of Cairo International Airport’s regional significance. According to OAG’s report, Cairo recorded the largest international flight seat capacity among all African countries, with approximately 1.75 million departing seats in January alone. This figure represents a robust year-on-year growth of 10.3 percent compared to January 2025, reinforcing Cairo’s position as the continent’s busiest and most influential aviation hub.
This growth in seat capacity is not just a matter of numbers; it reflects a broader trend of increased travel demand and the expansion of air connectivity networks linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Cairo’s central geographic location has long made it a natural crossroads for international air traffic, but recent investments in modernization and capacity enhancements have further bolstered its status. The airport’s ongoing efforts to upgrade facilities, streamline security checks, and introduce advanced passenger services have paid dividends, making it a preferred transit point for both travelers and airlines.
In the context of Africa’s aviation sector, Cairo’s dominance is particularly notable. The top ten African airports by seat capacity as of January 2026, according to OAG, included 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), and Hurghada Airport (Egypt). The inclusion of Hurghada, another Egyptian airport, in the top ten further underscores Egypt’s vital role in the continent’s aviation ecosystem.
While Cairo led the pack in overall capacity, Moroccan airports posted the fastest growth rates among Africa’s largest aviation gateways. Casablanca Airport saw its seat capacity rise by 18.1 percent, while Marrakech Airport’s capacity grew by 17.5 percent between January 2025 and January 2026. These gains have been attributed to the recovery of international tourism and the expansion of air connectivity, particularly as travelers return to the skies following years of pandemic-related disruptions.
The competitive landscape among African airlines has also intensified. Ethiopian Airlines maintained its lead as the continent’s largest carrier, recording a seat capacity of approximately 2.1 million in January 2026, a 6.4 percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, South Africa continues to dominate the domestic flight segment, thanks to its extensive network of hub airports and ongoing investments in domestic aviation infrastructure.
These developments are emblematic of a broader recovery in the African aviation sector. The first months of 2026 have seen a resurgence in travel demand, with airlines expanding operational capacity and major airports stepping up to play pivotal roles as regional hubs. The growing competition among airports and airlines is expected to drive further improvements in operational efficiency, international connectivity, and the capacity to attract both tourists and business travelers.
For Cairo International Airport, these trends are both a validation of past investments and a call to action. The airport’s authorities have made it clear that modernization and capacity enhancement remain top priorities. “We are committed to reinforcing Cairo Airport’s status as Egypt’s main international gateway and a key aviation hub in the region,” said an airport spokesperson. This commitment is evident in the airport’s ongoing efforts to upgrade passenger amenities, expand terminal space, and introduce cutting-edge technologies for baggage handling and security.
Yet the challenges are not insignificant. Managing such high volumes of passengers and flights requires constant vigilance and adaptability. Airport officials have highlighted the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders, from airlines to ground handlers and security personnel. Continuous monitoring and rapid response to operational issues are essential to maintaining the smooth flow of passengers and flights, especially during peak periods.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Cairo International Airport—and for African aviation more broadly—appears bright. The continent’s airports are not only recovering from the setbacks of recent years but are also positioning themselves for future growth. Increased competition is likely to spur innovation, while expanded air connectivity will open up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment. As Egypt’s main aviation hub, Cairo is poised to play a central role in this unfolding story, connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa.
With its record-breaking operational days and its status as Africa’s busiest airport, Cairo International Airport stands as a testament to the resilience and ambition of Egypt’s aviation sector. As the airport continues to modernize and expand, it remains at the heart of a rapidly evolving African air transport landscape—one that promises new horizons for travelers and businesses alike.
