Morocco has announced plans to expand its airport capacity to accommodate 80 million passengers by 2030, a significant leap from the current 38 million, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch revealed during a parliamentary session.
The initiative is part of the country’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, as well as a broader effort to boost tourism and modernise infrastructure.
Airport Expansion Plans
Central to the project is the expansion of key airports to meet increasing passenger demand:
- Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport will see its capacity grow to 23.3 million passengers.
- The popular tourist hubs of Marrakech and Agadir will have expanded capacities of 14 million and 6.3 million passengers, respectively.
The upgrades come on the heels of record-breaking tourism figures. In the first 11 months of 2024, Morocco welcomed 15.9 million visitors, surpassing the total arrivals recorded for the entire previous year. This growth has been fueled by an increase in air routes and Morocco’s rising prominence as a global travel destination.
To complement its airport upgrades, Morocco is also accelerating the development of its high-speed train network. The rail system will extend southward to Marrakech in time for the World Cup and later further to Agadir. By 2040, Morocco’s national rail operator plans to double its network, expanding services to 43 cities—covering 87% of the population.
In preparation for the 2030 World Cup, Morocco has committed to expanding and modernising its sports infrastructure. Plans include:
- The renovation of 45 stadiums and training facilities across six host cities.
- The construction of a new 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, set to become a landmark sporting venue.
These investments are projected to cost up to 5 billion dirhams ($500 million).
The 2030 World Cup is not Morocco’s only high-profile tournament. The country is also set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a move that further highlights its growing influence on the global sports stage.
Prime Minister Akhannouch’s announcement underscores Morocco’s strategic focus on leveraging sporting events to drive economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and solidify its position as a premier destination for tourism and global events.
With these bold projects, Morocco is not only preparing for a successful World Cup but also investing in long-term development that will benefit its citizens and visitors alike.
Melissa Enoch
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