Casablanca– Morocco’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, as evidenced by the recent surge in passenger numbers across the country’s airports. According to the National Airports Office (ONDA), Morocco welcomed a total of 4,551,240 passengers during the first two months of 2024, marking a remarkable 17% increase compared to the same period last year.

February proved to be particularly robust, with passenger traffic soaring by 19% to reach 2,266,620 individuals. Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, the nation’s busiest travel hub, played a pivotal role, welcoming over 747,000 passengers in February alone, representing around a third of all Moroccan air traffic.

The impressive growth was not confined to Casablanca, as several other airports across Morocco experienced significant increases in passenger numbers. Marrakech-Menara Airport and Agadir Al Massira Airport both saw a substantial 26% rise in passenger traffic, while Tanger Ibn Batouta Airport and Fes-Saïss Airport recorded growth rates of 10% and 12%, respectively. The airports in Rabat Salé, Nador El Aroui, and Oujda Angad also witnessed double-digit growth rates of 36%, 13%, and 14%, respectively.

ONDA attributes much of this success to the growth in international air travel, which accounts for a staggering 91% of total passenger volume. International traffic surged by 20% compared to February 2023, with Europe leading the way by accounting for 84% of international traffic. The Middle East, Africa, North America, and the Maghreb countries also experienced significant growth rates of 25%, 22%, 12%, and 19%, respectively.

Domestic air travel within Morocco also saw a healthy increase, climbing by 8% compared to February last year, with 200,126 passengers recorded. This growth represents a 3% increase from the same month in 2019, indicating sustained momentum in the domestic market.

Additionally, freight traffic experienced a remarkable surge, with volumes increasing by 35% in February 2024 compared to the same period last year, reaching 7,826 tons.

The impressive performance of Morocco’s aviation sector underscores the country’s growing importance as a regional aviation hub and reflects the resilience and adaptability of the industry in the face of evolving challenges. With ongoing investments in infrastructure and services, Morocco is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory in the aviation sector, driving economic growth and connectivity both domestically and internationally.