Casablanca – Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport is set to undergo a significant expansion and development project aimed at modernizing its facilities and accommodating the growing air traffic demands in Morocco, with an investment exceeding $235.06 million.

The project, which will span a period of 48 months, has been formalized through a multipartite partnership agreement recently approved during the regular session of the Tangier municipality in May 2024. This agreement outlines the roles and financial commitments of various stakeholders in the realization of this transformative endeavor.

The expansion plan encompasses nearly 199 hectares of airport infrastructure development, focusing on enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency. Key components of the project include the construction of essential facilities such as aircraft parking areas, connecting ramps covering approximately 160,000 square meters, and the extension of the airport perimeter fence by 6 kilometers to enhance security measures.

Moreover, the project includes the creation of a modern 55,000 square meter boarding area, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to enhance passenger experience. A new control tower, complete with necessary equipment, will further enhance operational safety and efficiency at the airport.

The Tangier municipality, as a key local partner in this initiative, has allocated $1.34 million USD towards the infrastructure development necessary to connect the airport seamlessly with various important centers within the city of Tangier. This includes road upgrades and multimodal transportation connections to ensure efficient access to and from the airport.

Once completed, the expansion project will significantly increase the airport’s capacity from 1.2 million to 4.4 million passengers per year, aligning with international standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This expanded capacity will support the projected growth in passenger traffic and further position Tangier as a premier destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) at both national and international levels..

The strategic importance of this project is further underscored by Tangier’s selection as a host city for major sporting events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030.

According to data from the National Office of Airports, the number of passengers who passed through Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport during the year 2023  reached one million and 913 thousand and 698 passengers, compared to one million and 432 thousand and 506 passengers in 2022.

Tangier Airport ranks fourth nationally in terms of passenger numbers in 2023, after Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (9.79 million passengers), Marrakech-Menara Airport (6.9 million passengers) and Agadir Al Massira Airport (2.3 million passengers).

Tangier Airport connects to around 25 international destinations with more than 100 weekly flights, including recently opened destinations with Cairo (Egypt), Gran Canarias, Mallorca (Spain) and Düsseldorf (Germany).

The expansion and modernization of Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport represents an important step towards enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating economic growth, and positioning Tangier as a leading destination in the North African aviation landscape. This transformative project underscores Morocco’s commitment to infrastructure development and underscores Tangier’s emergence as a vibrant economic and cultural hub in the region.