Morocco plans to invest 15 billion dirhams ($1.55 billion) in constructing a new terminal at Casablanca’s largest airport.
- Morocco plans to invest $1.55 billion in constructing a new terminal at Casablanca’s largest airport.
- The terminal is part of Morocco’s infrastructure upgrades to support its co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
- Morocco aims to attract 26 million tourists by 2030 and expand its airline RAM’s fleet fourfold to 200 aircraft by 2037.
Morocco plans to invest 15 billion dirhams ($1.55 billion) in constructing a new terminal at Casablanca’s largest airport, aiming to triple passenger capacity ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the airports authority announced.
Designed as a key African hub, the terminal will be integrated with a high-speed rail network connecting Kenitra to Marrakech, according to a statement from the airport’s authority ONDA. The rail project, however, is a separate initiative that has already been unveiled, Reuters reported.
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Morocco is laying the groundwork for ambitious infrastructure upgrades, including air, road, and rail projects, to support its 2030 World Cup co-hosting duties.
The expansion of Casablanca Airport is a key component of Morocco’s strategy to double its total airport capacity to 78 million passengers, ensuring the country is equipped to handle increasing traffic in the lead-up to the tournament.
According to the airport’s authority ONDA, Casablanca Airport’s capacity will increase from 10.5 million passengers currently to 35 million by 2029.
Morocco welcomed a record 17.4 million visitors last year, marking a 20% increase from the previous year, and aims to attract 26 million tourists by 2030. Meanwhile, Moroccan airline RAM plans to expand its fleet fourfold to 200 aircraft by 2037.
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Financing infrastructure expansion
To support the country’s infrastructure plan for the tournament, the African Development Bank (AfDB) finalized a €350 million ($370 million) loan agreement with Morocco last December. Additional funding of €650 million is under consideration to further bolster infrastructure projects for 2030.
The AfDB’s total financing for Morocco spans 37 projects, amounting to $3.6 billion, highlighting its commitment to the country’s development.
Morocco also plans to build a state-of-the-art stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca, and renovate six existing stadiums as part of its World Cup preparations, as outlined by the government last year.
