Morocco has launched an ambitious MAD 28 billion ($2.8 billion) “Airports 2030” investment program aimed at more than doubling its passenger capacity to 80 million annually by the end of the decade, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh announced.
The centerpiece of the plan is a new Casablanca airport constructed on 800 hectares adjacent to the existing Mohammed V Airport. This facility alone will accommodate 40 million passengers and focus on long-haul destinations requiring over eight hours of flight time.
“This program consists primarily of building a new airport in Casablanca, following Royal directives, to serve as a gateway between Morocco and other countries around the world, particularly distant destinations,” Kayouh told the Chamber of Representatives during a question session.
The new Casablanca airport will integrate with high-speed rail connections, allowing travelers to reach Marrakech in 50 minutes and Tangier in 90 minutes. These enhancements align with plans to double Royal Air Maroc’s fleet from 50 to 100 aircraft by 2030.
Significant expansions are planned for regional airports as well, with Rabat-Salé increasing to 4 million passenger capacity, Fez to 5 million, and Sania Ramel to 2 million. While the plan prioritizes the six FIFA World Cup 2030 host cities—Casablanca, Rabat, Tangiers, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez—it extends to neighboring areas to promote balanced economic development.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed Morocco’s strategy, noting aviation’s substantial economic impact. According to IATA’s recent report, the sector contributes MAD 112 billion ($11.2 billion) to GDP and supports 856,000 jobs, representing 7.9% of the country’s economy.
“Given the critical and growing importance of aviation to Morocco’s economy, the launch of the ‘Airports 2030 Strategy’ will have a far-reaching and positive impact on Morocco’s economic and social development,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
The program builds on Morocco’s growing connectivity, which has increased by 36% within Africa and 63% with other regions since 2014. The country currently operates 18 airports with commercial flights connecting to 54 countries through direct routes.
