Orascom Investment Holding, the Egyptian investment company led by billionaire Naguib Sawiris, is exploring a partnership with a global airport operator as Egypt prepares to place 11 airports under private-sector management.

The investment holding company is in discussions with an international airport management and operations firm to form a consortium for a potential bid, a move that could expand its tourism portfolio beyond its existing interests in the Giza Pyramids, Sound and Light project, restaurants and transport, and give it a potential foothold in Egypt’s aviation infrastructure.

Orascom explores airport opportunities

Egypt, in its first-of-its-kind initiative, plans to offer 11 national airports via public-private partnerships (PPPs) in coordination with its adviser, the private sector arm of the World Bank group, International Finance Corporation (IFC), to tender out the management and operation of these national airports.

Orascom Investment is studying several airports that could benefit from stronger tourism activity, although Hussein said the company is not pursuing Hurghada Airport. The potential airport partnership would complement Orascom Investment’s broader strategy of building businesses around Egypt’s tourism economy and capturing value across different stages of the visitor journey.

Hurghada Airport has already attracted significant investor interest, with 74 consortiums reportedly obtaining tender documents and 64 submitting bids by February.

Sound and Light project nears launch

Alongside its airport ambitions, Orascom Investment expects to begin pilot operations at its $22 million Sound and Light project in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The company has invested approximately 75% of the capital required for the project, bringing the development closer to commercial operations.

Its wider development around the Giza Pyramids is also recording occupancy and rental rates of approximately 75%, according to Hussein. Orascom Investment is preparing a year-round events calendar and plans to gradually attract more international event organizers.

Tourism portfolio expands across sectors

The airport initiative builds on a tourism portfolio that already includes the Pyramids area, Sound and Light, sleeper trains operated through Abela and restaurants through Egypt for Tourism Investments.

The restaurant business is also being positioned for international expansion, with the company targeting markets in the Gulf and Europe. Its portfolio includes brands such as Khufu’s and Pier 88. Orascom Investment is simultaneously advancing other investments, including Blue EV’s expansion in Morocco and the rollout of AutroVato, as it seeks to build businesses across tourism and mobility.

The next key development will be whether Orascom Investment finalizes its partnership with the international airport operator and which airports ultimately make the consortium’s shortlist. The progress of its Sound and Light, mobility and tourism projects will also determine how quickly the company can convert its expanding investment portfolio into operating businesses.