Casablanca Prepares for New International Airport with a Capacity of 35 Million Passengers Annually
The National Office of Airports (ONDA) has officially announced the start of groundwork for the new terminal at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, marking the commencement of one of Morocco’s largest strategic infrastructure projects aimed for completion by 2030.
The project aims to increase the airport’s capacity by adding 20 million passengers annually, bringing the total capacity to 35 million, as stated in an official release from the office, highlighting that the total cost of the project is estimated at 15 billion dirhams.
This initiative falls under the national vision “Airports 2030” supervised by ONDA, which focuses on innovation, sustainability, and improving air connectivity between Morocco and global hubs. The groundwork has been awarded to the Moroccan company STAM following a public tender, set to last eight months, and is a crucial phase before the construction of the anticipated terminal, scheduled to be operational by 2029.
Designs and technical studies for the project were developed by an international consortium including Ala Concept, RSHP Architects, and Egis Bâtiments International, firms recognized for their expertise and previous work on airports in major cities like London, Madrid, and Geneva. The new design reflects a forward-looking Moroccan vision aiming to boost its presence in global aviation and tourism.
This project reinforces Casablanca’s position as a continental air hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas, supporting the strategic expansion of Royal Air Maroc. The terminal is expected to adhere to the latest international standards, offering a seamless digital travel experience and high energy efficiency, along with environmentally friendly technologies to ensure adaptability to climate changes.
The new terminal will reportedly include a high-speed train station (TGV) connecting the airport to Rabat in under 30 minutes and Marrakech in less than an hour, enhancing integration among various modes of transport and significantly reducing travel times.
To ensure quality execution, ONDA has launched a call for expressions of interest to select qualified contractors, receiving proposals from 27 Moroccan and international consortiums specialized in air infrastructure projects. The tender process for building the terminal officially began in July, with the contracting company expected to be announced by the end of 2025.
This project represents a key pillar of Morocco’s strategic vision to modernize its air infrastructure, effectively preparing for major upcoming events, including the World Cup in 2030, demonstrating a renewed ambition for growth, openness, and excellence on the international stage.