• Morocco began expanding Casablanca Airport to raise capacity to 35M passengers by 2029
• The $1.7B project supports the “Airports 2030” plan to make Casablanca a global hub
• Upgrades include digital systems, rail links, and improvements at other major airports

Earthworks have begun for the new terminal at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, marking the operational start of an expansion plan for the Morroco’s main airport hub. The new infrastructure, expected to be completed in 2029, will increase the airport’s annual capacity to 35 million passengers from the current 15 million.

The new terminal, estimated to cost 15 billion dirhams, or nearly $1.7 billion, is part of the national "Airports 2030" strategy. This plan aims to position Morocco as a major air traffic crossroads connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The ambition is for Casablanca to serve as a strategic intercontinental hub in the region, similar to Istanbul or Dubai.

Local firm STAM won the earthworks contract through a public tender, with an eight-month execution period. This preparatory phase is crucial before the main construction, which an international consortium will undertake. This consortium includes Ala Concept, RSHP Architects, formerly Richard Rogers, and Egis Bâtiments International, firms known for designing several major terminals across Europe.

The new terminal will feature fully digitized passenger flows, enhanced energy efficiency, and a high-speed rail station. This station will connect to Rabat in 30 minutes and Marrakech in under an hour. The National Airports Office (ONDA) is leading the project as part of a broader plan that also includes upgrades at airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, Fès, Rabat, and Tétouan.

According to ONDA, several of these airports are currently operating at full capacity. A lack of infrastructure could hinder future air and tourism traffic. Morocco aims to handle 80 million passengers annually by 2040, up from 40 million today, and to attract 26 million tourists as early as 2030.

Henoc Dossa