ONDA begins earthworks for new terminal at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca
The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has officially launched earthworks for the new terminal at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, marking the first concrete step in one of Morocco's most ambitious infrastructure projects, set for completion by 2030.
With a total investment of 15 billion dirhams, the new terminal is designed to handle an additional 20 million passengers per year, boosting the airport's overall capacity to 35 million, according to ONDA.
This major expansion forms part of Morocco's «Airports 2030» national strategy, which prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and improved connectivity.
Following a public tender, earthworks were awarded to leading national firm STAM and are scheduled to last eight months. This preparatory phase follows months of architectural and technical studies led by an international consortium made up of Ala Concept, RSHP Architects, and Egis Bâtiments International—firms behind iconic terminals in London, Madrid, and Geneva. The future terminal will reflect Morocco's ambition to be fully integrated into global economic and tourism networks.
Casablanca is set to solidify its position as a key intercontinental hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas—while also supporting the expansion of Royal Air Maroc.
Conceived as a next-generation terminal, the project promises a seamless, digitalized passenger experience, top-tier energy performance, enhanced climate resilience, and a built-in high-speed train station connecting the airport to Rabat in 30 minutes and to Marrakech in under an hour, according to ONDA.
To ensure top-quality delivery, ONDA launched a Call for Expressions of Interest earlier this year to identify the most qualified contractors. Concluded at the end of May 2025, the process attracted 27 Moroccan and international groups with proven expertise in complex airport infrastructure. The competitive bidding for the terminal's construction began in July, with a contract award expected by the end of the year.
With the start of earthworks, ONDA is pushing the Airports 2030 strategy to the forefront of Morocco's national development ambitions.
In this context, Casablanca is asserting itself as a vital air hub—poised to welcome the world and proudly represent Morocco during the 2030 World Cup—ushering in a new era of connectivity, growth, and global influence.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
ANRT: Maroc Telecom, Inwi and Orange Obtain 5G Licenses for MAD 2.1 Billion
Marrakech – The National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) announced on Friday that Morocco's three telecom operators have been granted 5G licenses following a competitive bidding process launched on July 11. According to an official press release by the regulator, Itissalat Al-Maghrib (Maroc Telecom), Wana Corporate (Inwi), and Médi Telecom (Orange) secured the licenses for a total of MAD 2.1 billion ($210 million), with varying financial contributions based on bandwidth allocation. Maroc Telecom paid MAD 900 million ($90 million) for 120 MHz of bandwidth, while Inwi and Orange each paid MAD 600 million ($60 million) for 70 MHz. The minimum reserve price for each 5G license was set at MAD 600 million ($60 million) corresponding to 70 MHz. Eventually, all three operators will have access to the same bandwidth of 120 MHz by utilizing frequency bands released for 5G development. The licenses will be valid for 20 years and are renewable. Coverage targets were initially set at eight cities and their airports by November 2025, 25% of the Moroccan population by the end of 2026, and 70% by the end of 2030. However, these objectives were revised upward during the ANRT Board meeting chaired by the Head of Government. The operators have committed to more ambitious coverage targets, with plans to reach 45% by the end of 2026 and 85% by the end of 2030. During the board meeting, ANRT Director General Azlarab Hassibi stated that 5G technology will be implemented through global investments of MAD 80 billion ($8 billion) spread over the coming years. This investment will fund the deployment through 2035. Read also: Maroc Telecom, Inwi Announce MAD 4.4 Billion Investment to Boost Home Fiber, 5G Deployment In the evaluation process, Maroc Telecom received a score of 87, Orange scored 85, and Inwi received 87. According to the instruction report, each bidder's offer exceeded the minimum requirements specified in the call for competition and complied with cybersecurity-related requirements. Operators will initially deploy 5G-NSA (Non-Standalone), with the deployment of 5G-SA (Standalone), or full 5G, beginning two years after the initial launch. For comparison, the 4G licenses granted in 2015 cost operators a total of MAD 2 billion ($200 million): MAD 1 billion ($100 million) for Maroc Telecom, MAD 503 million ($50.3 million) for Inwi, and MAD 500 million ($50 million) for Orange. The cost of 5G licenses is therefore only 20% higher than that of 4G. This strategic choice aims to allow operators to invest in this new generation of network while ensuring acceptable profitability. The deployment of 4G networks has enabled significant development in mobile communications over the past decade. According to ANRT figures, internet penetration is approaching 105% as of June, network coverage exceeds 99% of the Moroccan population, and the penetration rate of 4G smartphones in Morocco is approximately 80%. The development of 4G has also led to important reductions in mobile data tariffs. The main terms of the 5G licenses include national coverage, specific commitments regarding cybersecurity, service security, and continuity. Regular cybersecurity audits will be conducted in accordance with best practices. Future license holders will have access to 50-100 MHz in the 3 GHz frequency band and 2×10 MHz in the 700 MHz frequency band. Each interested assignee will have to financially contribute to the reorganization of the concerned frequency bands, with this contribution set at MAD 60 million ($6 million) per license.
Morocco World
2 hours ago
- Morocco World
Everton, Bayern Munich Reach Deal Over Defender Adam Aznou
Rabat — Everton Football Club has reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign the Moroccan international and the club's left-back Adam Aznou. The Toffees will pay an initial €9 million for the 19-year-old Morocco international, with another €3 million coming through add-ons, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported . Aznou will undergo his medical in the next 24 to 48 hours after agreeing on personal terms with the Premier League club. Manager David Moyes wants to strengthen his club's left-back position and give competition to current starter Vitalii Mykolenko. The signing represents The Friedkin Group's first major move since taking over as Everton's new owners this summer. Bayern Munich's Christoph Freund has called Aznou 'exceptional,' but the teenager chose to leave the Allianz Arena to find more playing time. The German champions agreed to let him go as he seeks regular first-team football. Everton needed defensive reinforcements after several first-team players left when their contracts expired at the end of last season. The club has moved quickly to address these gaps under its new ownership. Aznou has accepted Everton's project and looks forward to playing at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The deal now moves toward completion, with only the medical remaining before the transfer becomes official. The signing shows Everton's ambition under The Friedkin Group, who want to make an immediate impact in their first transfer window as owners. Moyes will welcome the addition of a highly-rated young defender who can develop while providing depth in a key position. Tags: adam aznouBayern MunichEvertonTransfer
Morocco World
3 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco Accelerates Nationwide Expansion of Social Protection for Millions of Citizens
Rabat – Morocco's sweeping social protection reform has positioned the country on a transformative path toward a more inclusive and equitable welfare system, according to Hassan Boubrik, Director General of the National Social Security Fund ( CNSS ). In an exclusive interview with MAP, Boubrik praised the initiative as a 'historic leap' in achieving the vision of King Mohammed VI to build a robust social state. 'The generalization of Compulsory Health Insurance (AMO) has allowed millions of Moroccans—regardless of their status—to access healthcare services with dignity and fairness,' Boubrik said. Prior to the reform launched in 2021, only 40% of Moroccans had health coverage. Today, nearly the entire population is covered, including self-employed workers, beneficiaries of AMO TADAMON (formerly RAMED), and others previously left out. This expansion raised the number of insured individuals from 8 million to nearly 25 million in just a few years. The volume of daily processed claims has also grown significantly, from 20,000 to over 110,000. Boubrik emphasized that this reform has not only broadened access but also harmonized benefits. 'Every Moroccan now receives the same care package and reimbursement rates, regardless of their employment or income level,' he noted. The AMO TADAMON program alone covers 11 million people whose contributions are paid by the state. Beneficiaries can now access healthcare in both public and private facilities, while preserving the right to free care in public hospitals. Social Support and Technological Tools The CNSS Director also highlighted the role of direct financial aid to support low-income households, which now reaches 3.8 million families. He credited the Unified Social Registry (RSU) with improving the targeting and efficiency of these programs, calling it a 'crucial and effective mechanism.' Digital platforms like TAAWIDATY and Damancom have been deployed to streamline citizen services, improving access and processing for both individuals and businesses. Despite the successes, Boubrik acknowledged that several challenges remain. Chief among them is ensuring regular contributions from self-employed workers. Out of 1.7 million principal contributors in this group, only 550,000 are currently up to date on their payments. 'This situation creates a risk of anti-selection, where only those in need of care contribute, threatening the system's sustainability,' he warned. Nonetheless, Boubrik noted progress: the contribution rate has risen from 21% to over 42% in less than a year, driven by awareness campaigns and new legal tools. Ensuring Sustainability and Cost Control As demand for healthcare services grows, the CNSS is also focusing on containing costs without compromising quality. Boubrik stressed the need for reform across multiple fronts: lowering medicine prices, enforcing treatment protocols, promoting prevention, and combating fraud. He also emphasized the central role of public hospitals in the national health strategy. 'With significant investments in infrastructure and personnel, the public sector must lead healthcare delivery. It also helps contain costs, given its lower pricing compared to the private sector,' he added. Boubrik concluded by outlining two major reforms set for completion by the end of 2025: unemployment insurance and expanded retirement benefits. 'The government is actively working to meet these deadlines, which are critical to strengthening Morocco's social safety net,' he confirmed. He also announced the upcoming launch of an electronic medical claim system, set to pilot later this year. This innovation aims to simplify procedures for insured individuals and shorten reimbursement timelines. Tags: CNSShealth insuranceMorocco Health Insurance
