28-07-2025
$10 Billion Airport Update Planned for 2030 World Cup
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Morocco has launched a major overhaul of its airport system as part of a new multibillion-euro deal between its national airport authority and the government ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Newsweek has contacted the Moroccan Airports Authority via email for more information on the overhaul.
Why It Matters
Morocco's announcement of a sweeping airport infrastructure overhaul is a cornerstone of the country's preparation to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. With a planned investment of 38 billion dirhams (about $10 billion), officials are targeting a dramatic increase in the nation's airport capacity. The country seeks to redefine its tourism industry, handle a record influx of visitors and showcase North Africa on a global stage.
What To Know
On July 24, Moroccan authorities unveiled a five-year investment program co-funded by the government and the Moroccan Airports Authority, allocating $10 billion to their airport expansion plan.
The goal is to raise national airport capacity from 38 million passengers per year to 80 million by 2030.
Marrakech Menara Airport in Morocco on November 10, 2009.
Marrakech Menara Airport in Morocco on November 10, 2009.
Getty Images
The Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca is expected to see a major new terminal constructed to boost its capacity by an additional 20 million passengers, with an overall airport target of 23.3 million annual travelers.
This overhaul comes alongside a 22 billion-euro (about $23.7 billion) national rail expansion approved by King Mohammed VI, featuring new high-speed lines connecting major cities and the construction of the Grand Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, which is set to hold 115,000 spectators.
Tourism is central to the Moroccan economy. Last year, the country set a record by welcoming 17.4 million foreign visitors, a 20 percent year-on-year rise. Officials project the country will reach 26 million visitors annually by 2030.
What People Are Saying
Following the announcement of the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed rail line, the Moroccan Embassy in Finland wrote on X in April: "His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, launched, on Thursday at the Rabat-Agdal train station, the 430-kilometer Kenitra-Marrakech High-Speed Rail Line.
"The Kenitra-Marrakech High Speed Rail Line project reflects the Sovereign's enlightened Vision of improving the national rail service, and is in line with the Kingdom's strategic orientations, under the impetus of His Majesty the King, in terms of sustainable development, particularly promoting low-carbon footprint collective mobility solutions."
What Happens Next
Morocco's government, airports authority and private contractors have begun moving forward with tenders for new terminals and expansions, with construction activities anticipated to intensify through 2026.
Officials hope that the airport and related infrastructure projects will drive job creation in sectors ranging from construction to hospitality and transport, helping to upskill the Moroccan workforce in anticipation of sustained tourism growth.
