Morocco Gets To Work On Marrakesh, Agadir Airport Expansions

As part of its Airports 2030 strategy, the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA) has awarded contracts worth $440 million for major expansions at Marrakesh Menara and Agadir Al Massira airports.

 

The expansions will boost passenger capacity ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.

 

Jet Contractors, a Moroccan company, secured the Marrakesh-Menara contract, valued at $220 million. The plan will see its passenger terminal expand to 142,000 m² (1,528,475 ft.²), with upgrades to roadways, green spaces and new fountains. Once complete, the airport's annual capacity will rise from nine million to 16 million passengers.

 

SGTM won the contract for Agadir-Al Massira Airport, also valued at $220 million. The project will enlarge the terminal to 75,000 m2 and include new access roads, parking facilities and landscaping. Passenger capacity is expected to more than double, from three million to seven million annually.

 

The two contracts are part of Morocco's $3.8 billion Airports 2030 plan, unveiled in February, which also includes upgrades to Tangier and Fez airports and the construction of a new hub terminal and runway at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport.

 

ONDA chief Abdelkader Fikri said most projects are scheduled to be delivered before 2028, with Casablanca's expansion expected to be completed in 2029.

 

Earlier this year, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed Morocco's airports plan, saying the country's airports modernization will strengthen the country's position as a major global and regional aviation hub.

 

At the time, Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, said: "Given the critical and growing importance of aviation to Morocco's economy, the launch of the Airports 2030 strategy will have a far-reaching and positive impact on Morocco's economic and social development. 

 

"Aviation contributes 7.9% to Morocco's economy and has grown by 68.1% over the past decade. A comprehensive strategy on airport infrastructure investment will help secure future growth. Airlines are partners in this growth, and it is critical that they are broadly engaged in realizing the strategy with a sharp focus on cost efficiency."