Casablanca – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is preparing to review a financing package of up to approximately $117 million for Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA), a project aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of the country’s airport network while supporting an ongoing institutional reform program. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the bank’s Board of Directors on July 22 and, if approved, would represent another step in Morocco’s broader strategy to modernize its aviation infrastructure and improve airport operations.

According to information released ahead of the board meeting, the proposed financing remains under negotiation and consists of two components. The first is a committed tranche of approximately $70 million, while the second is an uncommitted tranche of about $47 million that could be mobilized later depending on the progress and financing needs of the program.

The investment is designed to support ONDA’s digital transformation strategy by introducing advanced technologies across airport operations. The modernization program seeks to improve operational efficiency, strengthen the security and reliability of airport systems, enhance service quality for passengers and airlines, and increase the overall resilience of airport infrastructure. The project also aims to improve cost efficiency by deploying digital solutions that meet internationally recognized standards and operational best practices.

The total cost of the digital transformation program is estimated at approximately $117 million, corresponding to the value of the proposed EBRD financing.

In addition to providing financial support, the EBRD plans to accompany the project with technical assistance covering both the implementation of the digital transformation program and the institutional reforms being undertaken by ONDA. The assistance is expected to help strengthen corporate governance, support organizational restructuring, and facilitate the adoption of international standards for digital management and operational performance.

One of the key objectives of the project is to support ONDA’s planned transition into a joint-stock company as part of a wider reform process intended to modernize the governance and management of Morocco’s airport sector. The institutional reform is expected to improve operational flexibility, strengthen accountability, and create a governance framework aligned with international practices followed by major airport operators.

The digital transformation initiative forms part of ONDA’s long-term “Airports 2030” strategy, which places technology and innovation at the center of efforts to modernize airport infrastructure and prepare Morocco’s aviation sector for sustained growth in passenger traffic over the coming years. The strategy focuses on improving operational performance, expanding digital services, optimizing airport management systems, and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

ONDA, established in 1990, is responsible for developing, operating, and managing Morocco’s airport infrastructure as well as providing air navigation services across the country’s airspace and neighboring flight information regions. The organization currently manages 24 airports that serve domestic and international destinations and play an important role in supporting tourism, trade, and business travel.

The proposed financing comes at a time when Morocco’s aviation sector continues to record steady growth. During the first six months of 2026, Moroccan airports handled approximately 18.83 million passengers, representing an increase of 8.83% compared with the same period a year earlier. International passenger traffic reached approximately 16.84 million travelers, while domestic traffic exceeded 1.99 million passengers.

Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca remained the country’s busiest airport during the first half of the year, handling more than 5.75 million passengers. Marrakech Menara Airport also recorded strong activity with over 5.63 million passengers, reflecting the continued expansion of Morocco’s tourism industry and international air connectivity. Agadir Al Massira Airport welcomed nearly 1.88 million passengers during the same period.

The continued increase in passenger volumes has reinforced the need for investments in airport infrastructure, digital systems, and operational capacity to accommodate future growth while maintaining high levels of efficiency and service quality. Digital technologies are increasingly being integrated into airport operations worldwide to improve passenger processing, baggage handling, security screening, operational coordination, and real-time information management.

The proposed EBRD financing therefore supports not only technology upgrades but also broader efforts to prepare Morocco’s airport network for rising demand associated with tourism development, business travel, international trade, and major international events scheduled over the coming years.

The project also builds on the longstanding partnership between the EBRD and ONDA. In 2020, the bank approved financing of approximately $176 million to help the airport authority address liquidity pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. That financing helped ensure the continuity of airport services during a period of severe disruption to global aviation while preserving ONDA’s operational capacity until air traffic gradually recovered.

Beyond airport financing, the EBRD has remained an active investor in Morocco across sectors including transport, renewable energy, water infrastructure, municipal services, manufacturing, financial institutions, and private sector development. The bank has supported projects intended to strengthen economic competitiveness, improve infrastructure, and facilitate sustainable growth.

If approved by the EBRD’s Board of Directors, the proposed $117 million financing package would provide additional momentum for Morocco’s airport modernization program by accelerating digital transformation across ONDA’s network while supporting reforms aimed at strengthening governance and institutional performance.

As Morocco continues expanding its airport infrastructure under the Airports 2030 strategy, investments in digital technologies are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving operational efficiency, enhancing passenger services, increasing system reliability, and supporting the country’s long-term objective of positioning itself as a major regional aviation hub connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.