Cairo, May 19 - On the morning of May 18, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport in Egypt, resulting in the death of a Kazakhstani woman and injuries to two others. The victims, all female passengers of Kazakh nationality, were in the process of boarding SCAT Airlines flight DV 2570 to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, when an advertising billboard collapsed in Departure Hall No. 2. The structure, affiliated with Al-Ahram Advertising Agency, unexpectedly fell, striking the three women as they waited in the terminal. Despite immediate medical intervention, one of the passengers succumbed to her injuries at Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital, while the other two received treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.
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The incident took place in Terminal 2, a busy section of the airport handling international flights. The Kazakhstani passengers were preparing to return home when the heavy billboard, likely used for commercial advertisements, gave way. The exact cause of the collapse has not been publicly disclosed, but Egyptian authorities have initiated a transparent investigation led by the prosecution to determine the circumstances surrounding the structural failure. The Ministry of Civil Aviation expressed deep regret and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the affected passengers and their relatives. Following the tragedy, swift measures were taken to address the needs of those impacted. The two injured women, one of whom was the daughter of the deceased, were promptly transferred to Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital, where they received comprehensive medical care.
Their conditions stabilized, and authorities arranged hotel accommodations and logistical support to ensure their comfort during recovery. The son of the deceased, who was also present, was provided with arrangements to remain in Egypt until coordination with the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Cairo was finalized. The Kazakh embassy took the incident under its control, with consular officials actively assisting the family and liaising with Egyptian authorities to facilitate communication and support. Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh El-Hefny, personally oversaw the response, ordering immediate assistance for the affected family and ensuring that the investigation would be thorough. The ministry also reached out to Kazakhstan’s honorary consul and the Kazakh consul in Cairo to convey condolences and reaffirm their commitment to a fair inquiry.
The incident has raised concerns about safety standards at the airport, particularly regarding the maintenance and installation of advertising structures in high-traffic areas. Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport, located along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is a key hub for tourists and international travelers, making the incident a significant point of focus for both Egyptian and Kazakhstani officials. This tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols in public spaces, especially in critical infrastructure like airports. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release findings that could lead to enhanced safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The loss of life has left a profound impact, and efforts are underway to ensure justice and closure for the victims and their families.