Morocco launches 2030 strategy to expand airports

Morocco’s airport agency (ONDA) launched its 2030 expansion strategy to increase capacity in the Kingdom’s international airports ahead of global events and to accommodate the expansion of the flag carrier RAM.
In a presentation to reporters, ONDA’s chief Adel El Fakir said Casablanca airport will hit full capacity of 14 million passengers by 2027, from 10.5 million travelers currently.
Casablanca is planned to serve as a regional hub serving Africa, in tandem with the growth in Moroccan airlines RAM’s fleet and routes. RAM plans to increase its fleet from 56 to 200 by 2037, with a mid-term goal of having 107 aircrafts by 2030.
ONDA plans to increase capacity in Casablanca to 35 million travelers by 2029, one year ahead of the World Cup Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
The second largest airport in the country, Marrakech, is already operating above full capacity at 9.3 million passengers. It is planned to be expanded to 16 million by 2028, according to ONDA.
Agadir airport’s capacity will grow from 3.1 million to 7 million, while Tangier will also be expanded from 2 million to 7 million all in 2028.
Fez and Rabat, each with 2 million-capacity, will be enlarged to handle 5 million passengers each by 2028 and 2025 respectively.
Besides air traffic, Morocco is preparing its railways to host the World Cup connecting Marrakech to the high-speed train.
It is also in the process of acquiring 7000 urban buses and upgrading its hotel infrastructure.
Morocco is also building the World’s largest stadium with a capacity of 115,000 seats near Casablanca as works are underway to upgrade the five stadiums to host the global tournament.