Amid a wave of immense national pride and roaring celebrations, the private jet carrying the Egyptian national football team touched down at Alamein International Airport. Returning from the United States, the squad carried home the legacy of a truly historic campaign at the 2026 World Cup.
As the aircraft’s wheels met the tarmac, the official reception commenced with a breathtaking display of national honor. Two opposing fire engines lined the runway, unleashing high-pressure water cannons that arched gracefully over the fuselage to form a majestic “water arch”—a symbolic arch of triumph welcoming the Pharaohs back to Egyptian soil.
The water salute: A time-honored aviation protocol
This spectacular display was far from random. It is part of a prestigious, deeply rooted global aviation tradition known as the “Water Salute.”
According to aviation experts, this protocol serves as a high-level symbol of respect and celebration reserved strictly for extraordinary milestones. By custom, airport fire trucks flank the aircraft, synchronization-spraying its exterior as it taxies slowly toward the terminal.
While frequently deployed to welcome a brand-new airline or an inaugural aircraft model landing at an airport for the very first time, the protocol carries deep sentimental and honorary weight. It is traditionally used to:
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Bid farewell to delegations departing for major national or sporting events.
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Celebrate the final flights of distinguished, retiring veteran pilots.
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Commemorate the launch or retirement of a specific airline route or aircraft model.
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Pay similar maritime tribute to ships and their naval crews.
The prestige of the tradition is global. Notably, US President Donald Trump was honored with this exact majestic water salute at New York’s LaGuardia Airport during his very first departure flight following his 2016 presidential election victory.
