Airport rehabilitation project raising eyebrows in Egypt
Egypt has already opened two new airports this year, which has people wondering if spending $62.4 million to renovate one in a remote desert area is necessary.
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.
