Latest news with #ONDA
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
28 global companies express interest in $1.5bln Casablanca airport expansion
A total of 28 international companies have expressed interest in the expansion project for the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca Local Arabic language news website said expressions of interest were received from 4 local companies, 14 Chinese companies, 5 Turkish companies, and 1 company each from Spain, Egypt, India, Greece, and Switzerland. EOI was issued by Morocco's National Airports Office (ONDA) for the construction of a new terminal area at Mohammed V Airport. The report said the planned new terminal will cover 450,000 square metres (sqm) with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers. It will also include: • A new 3,700-metre parallel runway, 45 metres wide • Associated taxiways and airside infrastructure • A 42-metre-high air traffic control tower • Expanded aircraft parking stands • A hotel The estimated investment cost of the project is 15 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately $1.5 billion) with completion scheduled for 2029 in time for the FIFA World Cup, which the North African country is co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal in 2030. The new terminal will be integrated with the national high-speed rail network connecting Kenitra to Marrakech. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Ya Biladi
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Ya Biladi
Does the new ONDA directive threaten the survival of small Moroccan car rental agencies ?
DR The recent directive from the National Airports Office (ONDA), widely seen as harsh and selective, has drawn sharp criticism from the Federation of Car Rental Associations in Morocco (FALAM), which warns it poses a direct threat to the survival of small businesses in the sector. ONDA's New Framework Until now, many rental companies—especially local small businesses—operated under a flexible system that allowed them to deliver cars directly at airports upon customer request. These deliveries were organized through reservations and offered travelers a convenient, often more affordable alternative to major brands. The new regulation changes everything: without a physical commercial presence inside the airports and without a signed agreement with ONDA, no agency can deliver vehicles on-site. This stricter rule effectively shuts out the majority of market players. FALAM's Response: Disguised Discrimination? FALAM was quick to respond, with its president, Abdellah Achnan, publicly denouncing the measure as discriminatory. He argues that this decision systematically excludes small and medium-sized agencies, which cannot afford the costly airport locations or the additional expenses tied to partnerships with ONDA. In a letter to the Ministry of Transport, the federation has called for the cancellation or at least an urgent revision of the directive, emphasizing the need to protect a free and competitive market. Access Costs Are Out of Reach for Independents One of the biggest hurdles cited by professionals is the exorbitant rent for commercial spaces inside airports—figures as high as 3 million dirhams have been mentioned. For most local agencies, which operate on a leaner model often without physical offices, such costs are simply impossible to bear. For many, losing the ability to deliver cars at airports means sacrificing up to 50% of their revenue. Airports are key entry points for tourists and Moroccans living abroad (MRE), who frequently reserve vehicles even before arriving. Independent Renters Voice Their Frustration Many industry players are outraged by the regulation, calling it unfair. Mehdi, who runs a rental agency in Fez, explains: «We've always operated professionally. Our clients book through WhatsApp or our website, and we deliver their cars on time at the airport. Why should that be banned now?» Others accuse major international brands of lobbying to edge out local competitors and create near-monopolies within airport zones. The consequences extend beyond rental companies. With fewer agencies allowed to operate at airports, competition shrinks, potentially driving prices up and limiting the variety of available vehicles. Additionally, customers might have to rely on taxis or shuttles to reach off-site pick-up points, losing convenience and flexibility. FALAM Proposes a Digital Solution In response to the tightening market, FALAM suggests creating a national digital platform, authorized by the authorities, enabling all agencies—including those without airport locations—to arrange deliveries within a regulated, transparent, and fair system. This approach would maintain healthy competition while respecting the security and operational standards ONDA requires. What Are Customers Saying? On social media, many customers have voiced support for small agencies, praising their personalized service, availability, and flexibility compared to large brands. A regular customer at Marrakech airport shared: «I've always preferred booking with local agencies. Their prices are better, and the service feels more personal. Banning them takes away our choice». Time to Rethink Regulation? This debate raises bigger questions about how to regulate commercial activity within public infrastructure while remaining inclusive. How can quality service be ensured without unfairly favoring some businesses? Better dialogue between authorities, industry stakeholders, and consumer representatives might hold the key. Possible solutions include open tenders or shared delivery zones at terminal peripheries. ONDA's decision marks a turning point for Morocco's car rental sector. While it aims to bring more structure to airport operations, it risks undermining a network largely made up of small local businesses. It's now up to the authorities to reconsider this approach, taking market realities and consumer needs into account. The sector's future depends on integrating all players into a fairer, modern system that meets Morocco's tourism and mobility challenges.
TimesLIVE
08-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Morocco begins tendering process to expand Casablanca airport
Morocco issued on Wednesday two expressions of interest to identify bidders for its plan to build a new terminal that will increase capacity at its largest airport in Casablanca by 20-million passengers. Casablanca airport's expansion is part of a push to double Morocco's overall airport capacity to 78-million to meet increasing traffic in the run-up to the 2030 Fifa World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The terminal is expected to be ready in 2029 at a cost of $1.6bn (R28.97bn), airports authority ONDA said in a statement. The new terminal will serve as an international hub and will be served by a high-speed train network connecting the airport to the key cities of Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. Morocco reported a record 17.4-million visitors last year, up 20% from 2023, and it expects to attract 26-million tourists in 2030.
Ya Biladi
08-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco unveils $1.6 billion expansion of Casablanca Airport ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has launched two international calls for expressions of interest for the construction of a new terminal at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, which is set to become Morocco's main gateway as the country prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030. The objective is to boost the airport's annual passenger capacity from 15 million to 35 million by 2030. With an estimated budget of 15 billion dirhams (approximately $1.6 billion), the state-of-the-art terminal—scheduled for completion by the end of 2029—will accommodate an additional 20 million passengers annually. It will reinforce Casablanca's strategic role as an intercontinental hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas, while also supporting the growth of Royal Air Maroc. The project is part of ONDA's «Airports 2030» strategy, which aims to modernize Morocco's airport infrastructure by developing smarter, more sustainable, and better-connected platforms. The new terminal will feature cutting-edge innovations in passenger flow management, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and operational performance. It will also be integrated into the high-speed rail network, enabling travel to Rabat in 30 minutes and to Marrakech in under an hour. To carry out this flagship project, ONDA is launching two international calls for expressions of interest: – One for a Program Manager, responsible for overseeing the entire project (terminal, runways, and ancillary areas) and coordinating among various stakeholders; – Another for a builder or consortium, tasked with detailed engineering and terminal construction, including the integration of systems provided by third parties. Through this major initiative, Morocco reaffirms its ambition to position air transport as a key driver of economic growth, tourism development, and regional influence.
Ya Biladi
07-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco unveils $1.6 billion expansion of Casablanca Airport ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has launched two international calls for expressions of interest for the construction of a new terminal at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, which is set to become Morocco's main gateway as the country prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030. The objective is to boost the airport's annual passenger capacity from 15 million to 35 million by 2030. With an estimated budget of 15 billion dirhams (approximately $1.6 billion), the state-of-the-art terminal—scheduled for completion by the end of 2029—will accommodate an additional 20 million passengers annually. It will reinforce Casablanca's strategic role as an intercontinental hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas, while also supporting the growth of Royal Air Maroc. The project is part of ONDA's «Airports 2030» strategy, which aims to modernize Morocco's airport infrastructure by developing smarter, more sustainable, and better-connected platforms. The new terminal will feature cutting-edge innovations in passenger flow management, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and operational performance. It will also be integrated into the high-speed rail network, enabling travel to Rabat in 30 minutes and to Marrakech in under an hour. To carry out this flagship project, ONDA is launching two international calls for expressions of interest: – One for a Program Manager, responsible for overseeing the entire project (terminal, runways, and ancillary areas) and coordinating among various stakeholders; – Another for a builder or consortium, tasked with detailed engineering and terminal construction, including the integration of systems provided by third parties. Through this major initiative, Morocco reaffirms its ambition to position air transport as a key driver of economic growth, tourism development, and regional influence.
