Morocco will spend $1.55 billion to expand Casablanca Airport in preparation for the 2030 World Cup

Morocco intends to increase the capacity of Casablanca Airport with a $1.55 billion expansion before the 2030 World Cup.

In an effort to increase the number of passengers it can handle by 2029, Morocco has announced plans to invest 15 billion dirhams ($1.55 billion) in the expansion of Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. In preparation for Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the project is a component of a larger plan to improve infrastructure.

A new terminal will be built as part of the expansion, positioning Casablanca as a major African aviation hub. To increase accessibility even more, the terminal will be connected to a high-speed rail line that runs from Kenitra to Marrakech.

Morocco’s airports regulator (ONDA) estimates that the extension will double Casablanca airport’s passenger capacity from 10.5 million to 35 million. To handle increasing air traffic, the country is working to increase airport capacity to 78 million.

Morocco is targeting 26 million tourists by 2030 after welcoming a record 17.4 million visitors in 2023, a 20% increase from the year before. Furthermore, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has declared its intention to increase the number of aircraft in its fleet from 50 to 200 by 2037 in order to accommodate the nation’s expanding aviation industry.

The investment demonstrates Morocco’s dedication to improving its transportation system and securing its place as a major international tourism destination in the run-up to the eagerly awaited World Cup.