Morocco unveils $2.8 Billion airport expansion plan

Morocco has announced a sweeping investment initiative valued at MAD 28 billion (approximately $2.8 billion) aimed at transforming the country’s air transport infrastructure by the end of the decade. 

The plan, revealed by Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh during a session of the Moroccan Parliament on Monday, seeks to boost national airport capacity to 80 million passengers annually by 2030.

As reported by news publications, the centerpiece of the strategy is a brand-new international airport in Casablanca, to be built on 800 hectares adjacent to the existing Mohammed V Airport. Designed to accommodate up to 40 million passengers on its own, the new facility will serve as a hub for long-haul flights, particularly those exceeding eight hours.

“This new airport, in accordance with directives from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will serve as a global gateway and strengthen Morocco’s position as a key aviation link between continents,” Kayouh told members of the Chamber of Representatives.

The plan is closely tied to broader national infrastructure upgrades. The Casablanca airport will be connected to Morocco’s high-speed rail network, allowing passengers to reach major destinations like Marrakech in just 50 minutes and Tangier in 90 minutes. This complements Royal Air Maroc’s fleet expansion plans, which aim to double its aircraft count to 100 by 2030.

Regional airports across the country are also set for major overhauls. According to Le Matin and Yabiladi, the Rabat-Salé Airport will be upgraded to handle 4 million passengers, Fez’s facility will increase to 5 million, and Sania Ramel Airport near Tétouan will grow to 2 million.

The Airports 2030 vision is also aligned with Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host. Airports in host cities—including Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Marrakech, Agadir, and Fez—will be prioritized, but improvements will also reach surrounding towns to foster balanced regional development.

Minister Kayouh also highlighted measures already introduced to enhance traveler experience, such as reducing airport processing times to under 25 minutes and eliminating security bottlenecks. Upcoming changes will include the adoption of electronic gates and biometric passport systems, further modernizing passenger handling procedures.

With more than 34 million passengers passing through Moroccan airports in 2024, the country is preparing for a new era of aviation growth that supports tourism, trade, and economic integration across Africa and beyond.