- Marrakech-Menara Records More Than 6.4 Million Travelers as Morocco Accelerates Airport Expansion Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2030
MARRAKECH – Morocco’s aviation sector is continuing its strong growth, with the country’s airports handling 22.28 million passengers during the first seven months of 2026, reflecting an impressive 8.77 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
The latest figures, released by the National Airports Office (ONDA) in its July 2026 commercial air traffic report, highlight Morocco’s growing appeal as an international tourism, business and investment destination.
International passenger traffic accounted for the overwhelming majority of the total, reaching 19.89 million travelers, an increase of 8.82 percent year-on-year, while domestic traffic rose 8.36 percent to 2.39 million passengers.
Marrakech Strengthens Its Role as Morocco’s Tourism Gateway
Among Morocco’s leading airports, Marrakech-Menara International Airport continued to play a central role in the country’s tourism success, welcoming 6.41 million passengers during the first seven months of the year.
The airport ranked second nationally behind Casablanca Mohammed V, which handled 6.95 million passengers.
Marrakech’s strong performance reflects the enduring international appeal of the Red City, renowned for its historic medina, vibrant souks, iconic architecture, cultural heritage, luxury resorts and world-class hospitality.
Other major airports also recorded substantial passenger volumes, including Agadir-Al Massira with 2.18 million passengers, Tangier Ibn Battouta with 1.71 million, and Rabat-Salé with 1.45 million.
European Visitors Lead International Growth
European travelers remained the largest source of international passenger traffic, with 16.54 million passengers recorded during the seven-month period, representing a 9.29 percent year-on-year increase.
Morocco also recorded notable growth across other international markets. Passenger traffic from South America increased by 34.21 percent, reaching 62,880 travelers, while traffic from North America rose 14.54 percent to 581,297 passengers.
African traffic increased by 13.74 percent to 1.18 million passengers, while traffic from the Maghreb region grew 10.06 percent to 295,188.
The only major decline was recorded in traffic from the Middle and Far East, which fell 4.12 percent to approximately 1.24 million passengers.
Marrakech Poised for Major Aviation Expansion
The continued growth in passenger numbers comes as Morocco undertakes an ambitious modernization and expansion of its airport infrastructure in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Under its “Airports 2030” strategy, Morocco aims to increase national airport capacity from approximately 34 million passengers annually to 80 million by 2030.
A major investment agreement covering the 2025–2030 period provides for approximately MAD 38 billion ($3.8 billion) in investment to modernize and expand the country’s airport network.
For Marrakech, the expansion is particularly significant. Marrakech-Menara Airport’s annual capacity is planned to double from approximately 8 million to 16 million passengers, positioning the city to welcome substantially more international visitors in the coming years.
The expansion will further strengthen Marrakech’s position as one of Africa and the Mediterranean’s leading tourism destinations.
Major Investment in Casablanca and Agadir
Casablanca Mohammed V Airport remains at the heart of Morocco’s aviation development program. Construction of a new hub terminal began in July 2025, with the MAD 15 billion ($1.5 billion) project expected to provide capacity for an additional 20 million passengers annually and raise the airport’s total capacity to approximately 35 million passengers by 2029.
The wider Casablanca development program also includes the construction of a new runway.
Meanwhile, Agadir-Al Massira Airport is being expanded to accommodate approximately 7 million passengers annually, more than double its current capacity of around 3 million.
Morocco Emerging as a Regional Aviation Hub
Morocco’s Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh has linked the airport expansion program to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup as well as the country’s sustained growth in air transport and tourism.
The strategy has also received international recognition, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcoming Morocco’s Airports 2030 program and highlighting its potential to strengthen the Kingdom’s role as a regional aviation hub.
With passenger traffic continuing to rise, major investments transforming its airport infrastructure and Marrakech attracting millions of international visitors, Morocco is positioning itself as one of the world’s most dynamic tourism and aviation destinations ahead of 2030.
For Marrakech in particular, the expansion of Marrakech-Menara Airport promises to enhance international connectivity and support the city’s continued growth as a premier destination for culture, heritage, luxury tourism and global events.
BY: The Times Union
