Mohamed Manar, Minister of Civil Aviation, announces that Egypt will start operating its new Sphinx International Airport (SPX) located near the Giza pyramids, in mid-July, Invest-Gate reports.

The airport, which is now 90% completed, will allow the operation of domestic and international flights, is expected to alleviate pressure from Cairo International Airport, stimulate one-day tourist programs and facilitate the movement of exports.

The new airport serves the residents of Greater Cairo districts of 6 October, Sheikh Zayed and the governorates of Fayoum and Beni Suef.

“The SPX’s total size has increased to 24,000 sqm and its accommodation capacity per hour has increased to 900 passengers,” Manar says.

For his part, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlights the project’s significance given the upcoming official opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) overlooking the Giza Plateau.

Egypt has upgraded the airport, which was officially inaugurated in January 2020, with the aim to receive tourists coming to visit the pyramids and GEM.

On the other hand, Egypt has stepped up efforts to revive tourism and mitigate the impact of successive global crises on the sector, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.