IATA supports Morocco’s airports strategy 2030 to turn country into major global aviation hub

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has lauded Morocco’s “Airports Strategy 2030” aimed at modernizing airport infrastructure, enhancing the passenger experience, and turning the country into a major global and regional aviation hub.

Aviation is a key pillar of Morocco’s economy. In 2023, aviation (including aviation-related tourism) supported856,000 jobs and contributed 7.9% ($11.2 billion) to the Moroccan economy, said IATA in a press release.

During the same period, 93% of passengers departing Morocco airports (11.7 million) were bound for international destinations. The country also handled some 77,900 tons of air cargo.

Given the growing importance of aviation to Morocco’s economy, the Moroccan airport strategy will have a far-reaching and positive impact on the country’s economic and social development, said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice Pdt for Africa and the Middle East.

In Morocco, aviation has grown by 68.1% over the past decade. A comprehensive strategy on airport infrastructure investment will help secure future growth. Airlines are partners in this growth and engaged in the Moroccan 2030 strategy, said Al-Awadhi.

As a co-host of 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, Morocco will be on the world stage which is an opportunity to show off Morocco’s growing strength as an aviation hub linking Africa, Europe and North America.

In preparation for the World football Cup, Moroccan authorities will build a new terminal at its largest airport in Casablanca, for $1.5 billion. The new facility will serve as an African hub and will be connected to a high-speed train network that will link Kenitra to Marrakech.

With the expansion, Casablanca International airport will be able to handle 35 million passengers by 2029, up from 10.5 million currently. This project is part of Morocco’s drive to double the country’s overall airport capacity to 78 million to meet anticipated air traffic by 2030, the date of the World football Cup.

Moroccan national airline company Royal Air Maroc is also planning to quadruple its fleet to 200 for the global football event. In 2024, Morocco attracted a record 17.4 tourists, up 20% on the previous year, and it expects to attract 26 million tourists in 2030.