Casablanca – As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has accelerated preparations across the country’s major airports to ensure a seamless and high-quality experience for visitors arriving from across Africa and around the world. With the tournament set to draw thousands of football fans, delegations, and journalists, ONDA is transforming airport facilities into modern, welcoming hubs where comfort, efficiency, and hospitality converge.

Modernizing infrastructure and expanding services

Over the past year, ONDA has undertaken extensive modernization programs at key airports, including Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca and Menara Airport in Marrakech. These efforts aim to optimize passenger flow, increase capacity, and enhance the overall travel experience. Key infrastructure upgrades include expanded seating areas, improved signage, and reorganized boarding and circulation spaces to reduce congestion during peak periods.

“Our airports will serve as the first showcase of the Kingdom,” ONDA stated, emphasizing that the initiative is carried out in close coordination with the local organizing committee and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). By modernizing facilities and strengthening operational teams, ONDA seeks to ensure that every traveler experiences a smooth and welcoming arrival, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to hospitality.

Enhancing the passenger experience through dining

A major focus of the transformation is the modernization and diversification of airport dining options. At Mohammed V Airport, a newly opened McDonald’s outlet integrates a globally recognized brand into the passenger journey, while Bacha Coffee at Marrakech Airport provides a contemporary local concept that highlights Moroccan culinary heritage. These additions reflect ONDA’s strategy of offering both international and local choices, catering to the varied preferences of travelers.

Casablanca’s food court has also undergone a comprehensive redesign, improving passenger flow, increasing seating capacity, and creating a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. By positioning dining as a central element of the airport experience, ONDA aims to turn waiting times into moments of comfort and enjoyment. This approach reinforces the airports’ role not only as transit points but also as spaces where visitors can experience Moroccan hospitality from the outset.

Immersive experiences and fan zones

In addition to infrastructure and dining improvements, ONDA has introduced innovative initiatives to immerse travelers in the AFCON atmosphere. Special fan zones have been established in boarding areas, enabling passengers—whether departing or in transit—to watch matches live and engage with the tournament’s excitement. These spaces, part of the “Welcome Football, Welcome Fans” campaign, include thematic decorations such as monumental arches, giant trophies, and interactive areas designed to create memorable experiences.

The campaign underscores the goal of transforming airports into vibrant social spaces that reflect the energy and cultural significance of the continent’s premier football event. Travelers will be greeted with a festive environment, ensuring that every arrival is both smooth and engaging.

Collaboration across institutions

ONDA’s readiness plan is supported by extensive coordination with multiple government and security bodies, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Royal Gendarmerie, Customs Administration, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics. This collaborative effort ensures operational efficiency, security, and effective passenger management, even during periods of peak traffic associated with the tournament.

Positioning Morocco as a strategic hub

Through these initiatives, ONDA is reaffirming Morocco’s position as a strategic hub for African and international travelers. Modernized infrastructure, diversified dining, immersive fan experiences, and professional operational management collectively aim to strengthen the Kingdom’s international image and provide visitors with a first impression aligned with Morocco’s modern and welcoming identity.

As AFCON 2025 draws near, every airport in Morocco is prepared to offer a smooth, comfortable, and memorable journey for fans, teams, and delegates alike. From innovative dining options to immersive fan zones and streamlined services, the National Airports Office is ensuring that Morocco’s airports are not just points of transit, but key elements of a world-class sporting experience.