Morocco plans to invest 15 billion dirhams ($1.55 billion) in a new terminal at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
The project aims to triple passenger numbers ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host, according to the country’s airports authority, L’Office National des Aéroports (ONDA).
The new terminal will serve as an African hub and will be connected to a high-speed train network that will link Kenitra to Marrakech.
The train network is a separate project that has already been announced.
Speaking for ONDA, Abdillah el Moutaoukkil said the project is part of the country’s Airports 2030 Strategy, marking a revolution in airport infrastructure and strengthening Morocco’s position as a strategic hub for global trade.
Casablanca airport’s expansion is part of a push to double Morocco’s overall airport capacity to 78 million to meet increasing traffic in the run-up to the World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Casablanca airport will be able to handle 35 million passengers by 2029, up from 10.5 million currently, ONDA said.
The new airport terminal will be arranged over three main levels and will feature a green oasis, retail areas, a large Duty Free area, VIP lounges, and a hotel.
Morocco reported a record 17.4 million visitors last year, up 20% on the previous year, and it expects to attract 26 million tourists in 2030.
Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc also plans to quadruple its fleet to 200 by 2037.
Meanwhile, another African country, Ethiopia, is gearing up to build Africa’s largest airport which is expected to host 60 million passengers by 2040.
