Morocco has announced plans to invest Ksh.542.6 billion ($4.2 billion) over the next five years to upgrade and expand its main airports in preparation for the 2030 FIFA WorldCup, which the country will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
According to a government statement, an agreement was signed between the
Moroccan government and the national airports authority, ONDA, to carry out the
extensive upgrade. Of the total budget, Ksh.356.7 billion will go towards expanding airport
infrastructure, while Ksh.185.9 billion has been set aside for maintenance and land
acquisition.
The ambitious plan aims to more than double the country’s airport capacity from the
current 38 million passengers per year to 80 million by 2030.
As part of the efforts, Morocco has already issued two expressions of interest to attract
bidders for the construction of a new terminal at Casablanca’s main airport. The
expansion is expected to increase the facility’s capacity by an additional 20 million
passengers annually.
Tourism is a key driver of Morocco’s economy. The country recorded a record 17.4
million visitors in 2024 a 20% increase from 2023 and hopes to attract 26 million
tourists by the time it hosts the global football tournament in 2030.
Written by Nzomo Joyce
