Casablanca – Tangier Ibn Battouta International Airport recorded a steady increase in passenger traffic during the first two months of 2026, reflecting ongoing recovery in Morocco’s air transport sector and sustained demand for international travel.

According to data released by the National Airports Office (ONDA), the airport handled 405,256 passengers between January and February 2026. This represents a 7% rise compared with the same period in 2025, when 377,916 passengers were recorded. The figures confirm a positive trend in traffic growth at one of northern Morocco’s main aviation hubs.

International routes played a central role in driving this increase. Passenger traffic on international flights reached 371,076 during the two-month period, marking an 8.27% increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects stronger demand for travel between Morocco and foreign destinations, supported by expanding airline connections and continued interest from tourists and the Moroccan diaspora.

In contrast, domestic traffic registered a slight decline. Passenger numbers on internal routes fell by 2.84% to 34,180 passengers. This decrease suggests a relative shift in travel demand toward international destinations during the period, while domestic travel remained relatively stable but slightly lower than the previous year.

The airport also experienced a significant rise in aircraft movements, indicating increased operational activity. The total number of flights reached 3,338 by the end of February 2026, up from 2,879 flights during the same period in 2025. This represents a 15.9% increase, highlighting the expansion of airline services and higher flight frequencies.

Despite the strong performance across the two-month period, passenger traffic in February alone showed a modest decline. The airport handled 175,136 passengers during the month, compared with 184,713 in February 2025, reflecting a decrease of 5.18%. Such variations are typically linked to seasonal patterns, calendar differences, and short-term fluctuations in travel demand.

At the national level, Morocco’s airports also reported continued growth in passenger traffic. By the end of February 2026, total passenger numbers across the country reached 5,909,802, representing a 7.91% increase compared to the same period one year earlier. This upward trend points to a broader recovery in the aviation sector and strengthening connectivity between Morocco and international markets.

The sustained increase in international traffic highlights Morocco’s position as a growing travel destination, supported by tourism promotion efforts and improved air links with Europe and other regions. Airports such as Tangier Ibn Battouta play a strategic role in facilitating this growth by connecting the northern region to key global destinations.

The rise in aircraft movements further reflects increased airline activity and improved airport utilization. Higher flight volumes often indicate stronger demand and better route performance, as airlines adjust capacity to match passenger needs. This dynamic contributes to enhanced connectivity and supports economic activity linked to tourism and business travel.

While the dip in February traffic indicates some short-term variation, the broader trend for early 2026 remains positive. Continued improvements in infrastructure, airline partnerships, and route development are expected to support further growth in passenger volumes in the coming months.

Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport’s performance during the early part of the year demonstrates its importance within Morocco’s aviation network. With international traffic leading growth and operational activity expanding, the airport continues to strengthen its role in supporting regional mobility and economic development.