Casablanca – Moroccan airports have experienced a remarkable surge in passenger traffic, setting a new record by welcoming over 24.27 million travelers by the end of September 2024. This impressive figure represents a 19.66% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting a strong recovery in the aviation sector.

According to the National Airports Office (ONDA), this growth was evident across the majority of the country’s airports. The Rabat-Salé airport led the way with an astonishing 42.77% increase in passenger numbers. Other airports also reported significant gains: Agadir saw a rise of 36.5%, Dakhla recorded a 35.94% increase, Marrakech followed closely with a 33.88% boost, while Tetouan and Tangier experienced increases of 31.09% and 21.91%, respectively.

Domestic travel has also seen notable growth, with Moroccan airports accommodating 2.55 million passengers—a rise of 28.82% compared to the previous year. In terms of international air traffic, airports welcomed 21.72 million international passengers, marking an 18.67% increase from September 2023. This surge is largely attributed to strong performances in key markets, including Europe, which saw a growth of 19.86%, followed by Africa at 17.68%, and the Middle East and Far East at 11.99%.

Furthermore, the ONDA reported a total of 179,863 aircraft movements by the end of September, reflecting a 15.44% increase from the same period last year. The air freight sector also showed robust growth, with a 21.50% increase in cargo traffic, bringing the total weight to over 67,833 tons.

These impressive statistics underscore the resilience of the Moroccan aviation industry and its critical role in supporting the country’s tourism and economic growth. With the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, the future looks promising for Morocco’s airports as they continue to attract travelers from around the globe.