Civil aviation seemed to be courting chaos this week as Cairo International Airport announced it would restrict its summer operating schedule in an attempt to cut electricity consumption, Salafist groups threatened to lay siege to airport terminals in protest at the resumption of flights to Iran and Egypt's second largest airport was forced to close as security personnel went on strike. On Saturday a flight took off from Cairo International Airport heading to Tehran. The passengers were employees of the Iranian embassy in Cairo. As the flight took off Aviation Minister Wael Al-Maaddawi announced that Iran and Egypt had signed an agreement to promote tourism, revealing that henceforth charter flights bringing Iranian tourists would arrive in Aswan and other regional airports. “According to Egypt's civil aviation regulations charter flights can use any Egyptian airport except Cairo International,” Al-Maaddawi said during the press conference. In October 2010 Egypt and Iran agreed in principle to a resumption of direct flights though none took place. Saturday's flight, operated by Air Memphis, which is owned by Egyptian businessman Rami Lakah, was the first in 34 years. The launch of the new service was met with anger by Salafist groups who believe the move is the first step in normalising relations with Shia Iran. Aviation authorities have been keen to stress the agreement will bring Iranians only to tourist resorts on the Red Sea and to Luxor and Aswan. “No direct flights have been approved — so far — between Cairo and Tehran,” Al-Maaddawi said on Sunday. “The operation is restricted to charter flights to tourist destinations.” That Saturday's flight left from Cairo was a one-off, he added. Al Maaddawi also revealed plans to close Cairo's main aviation hub in order to conserve electricity. “The airport will be partially closed for four hours a day over summer,” he said. The new operating schedule is due to come into effect in June. Speaking to Al-Ahram Weekly, Chairman of Cairo International Airport Mahmoud Esmat explained that the airport would not close completely during the four hours. “Terminal 3 will continue operating 24 hours a day. One runway will be kept open to receive flights.” According to Esmat, the change in operations will not affect existing services which have already seen dramatic reductions in the number of flights, leaving runways under-utilised. “Airlines will receive a month and a half notice of the changes,” said Esmat. Tourism has fallen drastically since the revolution. Some airlines operating from Egyptian airports have reduced flights while others have suspended services altogether. The national carrier, EgyptAir, has grounded more than 60 per cent of its fleet and halted all investment plans. Shortages of subsidised diesel have paralysed transport in parts of the country and fuel problems are expected to worsen. “A limited number of flights — no more than seven — will be transferred from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 when the former is closed between 1:30 and 5:30am” says Esmat. Tourism Minister Hisham Zazou did not oppose the moves but has warned against any expansion of the closure beyond the capital. “Most airlines flying to resort towns operate charter flights on a low cost basis. Many fly between midnight and dawn. Were the closure to apply to other airports it would harm business and impact on tourism,” he says. On Sunday angry police closed Alexandria's Borg Al-Arab airport as they organised a sit-in to demand better working conditions. “Officers responsible for immigration and security made many demands to airport management though they are affiliated to the Interior Ministry,” Hani Akkab, airport manager, told Al-Ahram Weekly. “We have made our demands clear on several occasions. The airport is far away from downtown. We are asking for transport to be provided as it is for other airport employees,” said one of the striking policemen. On Sunday security personnel refused to check baggage or process passports. When other airport employees attempted to complete their duties dozens of police blocked the runway, suspending all arrivals and departures. Planes from Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabia's Nas Air and Sharjah-based Air Arabia were unable to take off during the sit-in. Aviation authorities issued a pilot announcement declaring that Borg Al-Arab airport was closed and diverting all flights to Cairo International. “The Civil Aviation Authority regrets this irresponsible behaviour,” said Al-Maaddawi. He said that legal action was being considered against the concerned police officers. “Losses are estimated at LE1.5 million, and we anticipate that airlines will file for compensation,” said Al-Maaddawi. After six hours the policemen called off their protest after meetings with a senior aviation official as well as an Interior Ministry personnel. Their demands appeared to have been met.
