Oct 3, 2019

CAIRO — As Egypt continues upgrading its St. Catherine International Airport at considerable cost, critics are questioning whether the effort will ever pay off.

The comprehensive renovation in South Sinai province is estimated to cost 1 billion Egyptian pounds ($62.4 million). The two-phase project includes the annexation of 1,000 acres to the existing 465 and will increase passenger and flight capacity and establish a number of new administrative and technical facilities, including a VIP lounge. The first phase should be complete by mid-month.

The airport's existing runway has been upgraded and widened from 36 meters (118 feet) to 45 meters (148 feet). A second runway is under construction. Also, work to repave and repair the 5-kilometer (3-mile ) road to the airport began in September.

The project is part of preparations for the annual St. Catherine Religious Tolerance Forum, set for Oct. 10-12 in the town of St. Catherine, which is about 12 miles from the airport.

Ahmed Adel, a pilot and chairman of EgyptAir Holding, told Al-Monitor the terminal, which now can handle only 80 passengers, is being expanded to accommodate 650 in an area of about 5,558 square meters (almost 60,000 square feet), while a parking area is being established in front of the terminal for 300 cars. To accommodate an expected increase in traffic volume, the second phase will establish another building covering 7,000 square meters (almost 75,350 square feet) that can handle 900 more passengers, a new entrance to the airport, a fence and a parking lot capable of holding 450 cars and 15 buses.