Casablanca – In preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is set to transform its flagship Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca into a world-class aviation hub. The ambitious $4 billion expansion project aims to meet growing passenger demand and cement Morocco’s position as a leading global transportation center.
Major enhancements for Mohammed V Airport
Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh announced during a parliamentary session that the airport’s capacity will triple from 15 million to 45 million passengers annually by the end of 2029. This will be achieved through a new state-of-the-art terminal spanning 700 hectares, supported by an investment of $2.5 billion.
The new terminal will serve as the operational base for Royal Air Maroc, which is set to expand its fleet from 50 to 250 aircraft by 2033. The upgrades also promise to reduce passenger waiting times from the current 45 minutes to just 25 minutes, significantly enhancing the travel experience.
In addition to the terminal, the airport recently opened a 5,000-square-meter international transit zone in June. The facility, designed to accommodate up to 2 million transit passengers annually, boasts advanced technology, including 11 check-in counters, automated baggage systems, and enhanced security measures.
A nationwide modernization plan
The Mohammed V Airport upgrade is part of a broader $4 billion investment to double the national airport network’s capacity from 40 million to 80 million passengers by 2035.
Key projects under this initiative include:
- Rabat-Salé Airport: Expanding capacity to 5 million passengers by 2025 with a $206 million investment.
- Tangier Airport: Increasing capacity from 3 million to 7 million passengers by 2029 with a $309 million investment.
- Marrakech Airport: Growing capacity from 9 million to 16 million passengers by 2029 with a $309 million investment.
- Agadir Airport: Doubling capacity from 3 million to 7 million passengers by 2029 with a $258 million investment.
- Fez Airport: Expanding capacity from 2 million to 5 million passengers by 2029 with a $155 million investment.
- Tetouan Airport: Scaling capacity from 150,000 to 1 million passengers by 2026 with a $31 million investment.
Preparing for global events
The upgrades reflect Morocco’s commitment to hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup and meeting future aviation demands. These developments are set to position the country as a competitive hub for international travel while bolstering its tourism and logistics sectors.
The modernization of Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport represents a pivotal step in achieving this vision, ensuring that Morocco is well-prepared for the surge in global visitors expected in the coming years.
