Cairo International Airport (CAI), recognised as Africa's busiest airport by passenger traffic, is embarking on a massive £3.2 billion ($4.5 billion) upgrade to construct a fourth terminal, aiming to double its annual capacity to between 60 and 70 million passengers.
Record Passenger Growth in 2025
The airport handled 30.94 million passengers in 2025, a 6.8% increase from 28.97 million in 2024, according to reports. This growth solidifies its position as the continent's leading hub, ahead of South Africa's O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Terminal 4 Project Details
Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, announced in a February 2026 television interview that the Terminal 4 project is estimated to cost $4.5 billion (approximately £3.2 billion), as reported by Ahram Online. The completion target is set for four years from late 2025.
Competition from Ethiopian Airport
Meanwhile, Ethiopia is developing the Bishoftu International Airport (BIA), located 25 miles from Addis Ababa, to relieve pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has stated that BIA aims to ultimately scale up to 110 million passengers at full development, with four runways planned. The first phase is expected to be completed by the end of the decade.
