Casablanca – The National Airports Office (ONDA) is set to make significant investments in the coming years to support the growth of air traffic and bolster the tourism sector in Morocco. A new investment program, valued at approximately $1.27 billion, has been announced for the period from 2025 to 2027. This ambitious initiative aims to enhance the capacities of several major airports across the country.

As detailed in recent reports, the bulk of these funds will be directed toward expanding the infrastructure at key airports, including Mohammed V in Casablanca, Rabat-Salé, Marrakech, Agadir, Tétouan, Tangier, Fès, and Al Hoceima. These upgrades are crucial for accommodating the increasing flow of passengers, which has reached record levels in recent years. In 2023 alone, Morocco’s air traffic hit 27.1 million passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers by 8% and marking a 31.5% increase compared to 2022.

To achieve this, ONDA plans to implement a new institutional and organizational model, transitioning the office into a public limited company. This change is aimed at enhancing management autonomy and creating favorable conditions for private sector involvement. By delegating commercial activities to subsidiaries and establishing partnerships with private entities, ONDA seeks to accelerate the development of the airport sector.

The investment program includes a detailed plan for upgrading existing airport facilities. For instance, the Marrakech Menara Airport will see its capacity increased from 7.4 million to 16 million passengers annually, while Agadir Al Massira’s capacity will grow from 2.6 million to 7 million passengers. Tangier Ibn Batouta Airport is also set to expand its capacity from 2 million to 7 million passengers, and Fès Saïss Airport will increase its capacity to 5 million from the current 2 million.

These investments not only reflect ONDA’s commitment to enhancing air travel infrastructure but also underline the vital role that tourism plays in Morocco’s economy. With air traffic projected to reach 30.1 million passengers in 2024, an increase of 11% from 2023, the timely expansion of airport facilities is essential for sustaining growth in the sector.

ONDA’s future investments will significantly transform Morocco’s airport infrastructure, enabling the country to handle increased passenger traffic efficiently. As the travel sector continues to rebound, these strategic enhancements will ensure that Morocco remains an attractive destination for tourists and a competitive player in the global aviation market.