Morocco is set to embark on a transformative journey to nearly double its airport capacity by 2030, elevating its standing as a global travel hub and preparing itself to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
The ambitious expansion plan, announced by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, will increase the nation’s airport capacity from 38 million passengers to a staggering 80 million.
The blueprint includes a significant boost for the country’s flagship airport, Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, whose capacity will rise to 23.3 million passengers.
The expansion is part of a 5 billion dirhams (£390 million) project to boost infrastrature in the country.
Meanwhile, tourist magnets Marrakech and Agadir will see their airport capacities expanded to accommodate 14 million and 6.3 million passengers, respectively, by the end of the decade.
This initiative aligns with Morocco’s burgeoning tourism industry, which has already seen record-breaking numbers.
In the first 11 months of this year, the country welcomed 15.9 million tourists, surpassing the total number of visitors for the entirety of the previous year.
The surge in tourism has been bolstered by the introduction of new air routes, with the government aiming to sustain this upward trajectory.
Beyond airports, Morocco is also extending its high-speed rail network.
The current plans aim to connect the vibrant cities of Marrakech and Agadir to the existing network before the World Cup, creating seamless travel for domestic and international visitors.
By 2040, Morocco’s rail network will encompass 43 cities, serving 87% of its population and cementing the country’s reputation as a leader in African transportation infrastructure.
In preparation for its World Cup co-hosting duties, Morocco is investing heavily in its sporting facilities.
Prime Minister Akhannouch revealed plans for the expansion and renovation of 45 stadiums and training sites across six host cities. The crown jewel of the project is a new 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, which is poised to become one of the largest in the region.