1945
The Origins of ICAO’s Regional Organization

From the early work of PICAO "Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization" and the establishment of ICAO "International Civil Aviation Organization", it became clear that many of the technical and air navigation challenges facing international civil aviation could be addressed most effectively through regional cooperation.

Although the Chicago Convention did not specifically establish a regional structure, ICAO recognized the importance of regional arrangements in addressing the particular needs and circumstances of different parts of the world. In 1945, the world was divided into ten air navigation regions, including the Middle East Region, providing the foundation for regional cooperation and the establishment of ICAO Regional Offices.

Regional Air Navigation (RAN) meetings were subsequently established to bring States together to coordinate air navigation planning, address regional requirements and develop measures tailored to the specific circumstances of each region.

1946
A Regional Legacy of Aviation Cooperation 

The ICAO Middle East (MID) Regional Office has a long history of supporting international civil aviation cooperation in a region that has served as a major link between Europe, Asia and Africa.

The establishment of a dedicated ICAO presence in Cairo dates back to the early development of ICAO’s regional framework, reflecting the importance of the Middle East to international air transport and the need for effective regional coordination.

The Beginning of Regional Cooperation

In the early years of international civil aviation, the rapid development of air transport highlighted the importance of coordinated planning and cooperation between States.

The Middle East was identified as one of ICAO’s regional air navigation areas, and Cairo hosted the first Middle East Regional Air Navigation Meeting in October 1946.

The meeting brought together representatives to consider the development and coordination of air navigation services in the Region, marking an important step in the establishment of structured regional cooperation.

1947
Establishing the Regional Office in Cairo

The ICAO Middle East Regional Office was established in Cairo on 20 January 1947.

Since its establishment, the Office has served as a regional platform for cooperation between ICAO and the States of the Middle East, supporting the coordination and implementation of international civil aviation standards, policies and regional plans.

Cairo's strategic location and longstanding role in international aviation have continued to make it an important center for ICAO's regional activities.

1953
A Stronger Foundation for Regional Cooperation

In 1953, an agreement between ICAO and the Government of Egypt provided the framework for ICAO's privileges, immunities and facilities in Egypt, supporting the continued operation of the Regional Office in Cairo.
Over the following decades, the MID Region's aviation sector continued to expand, bringing new operational, safety, security, air navigation, environmental and economic challenges and opportunities.

The role of the Regional Office evolved accordingly, with greater emphasis on implementation support, technical assistance, capacity building and cooperation among States and regional organizations.

Supporting a Changing Aviation Region

The Middle East has experienced significant growth and transformation in international civil aviation. Increasing traffic volumes, advances in technology, evolving safety and security requirements, environmental priorities and emerging aviation concepts have created new demands for regional cooperation.

The MID Regional Office has continued to adapt its support to these developments, working with States and regional partners through regional groups, programmes, meetings, workshops and capacity-building activities.
Today, the Office supports 15 Member States across the Region and works closely with civil aviation authorities, regional and sub-regional organizations and other stakeholders to advance ICAO's Strategic Objectives.

Looking to the Future

The history of the ICAO MID Regional Office is a history of regional cooperation, shared responsibility and continuous development.
From the first regional air navigation discussions held in Cairo in 1946 to today's increasingly connected aviation system, the MID Office continues to provide a platform for States to exchange knowledge, coordinate priorities and work collectively towards safer, more secure, efficient and sustainable international civil aviation.

2023
Celebrating 70 Years of ICAO’s MID Regional Presence in Egypt

At the invitation of the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar visited Egypt from 17 to 18 November 2023 to participate in a celebration marking the 70th anniversary of Egypt’s hosting of the ICAO Middle East (MID) Regional Office in Cairo.

During the visit, H.E. Air Marshal Mohamed Abbas Helmy, Minister of Civil Aviation of Egypt, and the Secretary General highlighted the longstanding partnership between Egypt and ICAO and the importance of strengthening cooperation towards the achievement of ICAO’s Strategic Objectives. Mr. Salazar also expressed his appreciation to the Government of Egypt for hosting the MID Regional Office for seven decades.

The mission also marked an important step in technical cooperation, with the conclusion of a new technical support agreement to restructure and redesign Egyptian airspace.

2024
Inauguration of the Renovated MID Regional Office

On 16 December 2024, ICAO inaugurated its newly renovated Middle East (MID) Regional Office in Cairo, strengthening its commitment to regional aviation cooperation and enhancing its capacity to provide technical support to the Region.

The modernization of the facility, supported by the Government of Egypt, marked an important milestone in the continued partnership between Egypt and ICAO. The inauguration formed part of ICAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations and brought together ICAO leadership and the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation to reflect on the Organization’s eight decades of advancing safe, secure and sustainable international civil aviation.

The renewed facility provides a modern platform for strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the continued development and connectivity of aviation across the Middle East.

2026
Egypt Renews Hosting of the ICAO MID Regional Office

During an official visit to Cairo, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar met with H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, marking the renewal of Egypt’s hosting of the ICAO Middle East (MID) Regional Office.

The meeting, attended by H.E. Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation of Egypt, and Mr. Mohamed Rahma, Officer-in-Charge of the ICAO MID Regional Office, highlighted the longstanding partnership between Egypt and ICAO and the importance of Cairo’s continued role as a centre for regional aviation cooperation.

President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to the continued development of its civil aviation sector, including the modernization of infrastructure, enhancement of operational efficiency and service quality, strengthening of technical and human capacities, and expansion of airport capacity to respond to growing air traffic demand.

The renewal further strengthens the longstanding partnership between Egypt and ICAO and supports the continued role of the MID Regional Office in advancing regional cooperation and the development of international civil aviation.

Over the decades

Regional cooperation expands across safety, air navigation, aviation security and facilitation, environmental protection, capacity building and other areas of international civil aviation.
 

Today

The MID Regional Office serves 15 Member States and continues to support regional cooperation and the implementation of ICAO Standards, Recommended Practices, policies and regional plans.
 

𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.