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Morocco World
11 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Total Commercial Traffic at Morocco's Ports Hits 60.8 Million Tonnes in Q1 2025
Rabat – Moroccan ports' volume of commercial traffic reached 60.80 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2025, according to recent data from the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts. The number shows an increase of 10.2%, the directorate said, attributing the growth to the strengthening of transhipment traffic, which accounted for 49.9% of total traffic. Export traffic and import traffic, as well as coastal shipping, also contributed to the reported growth. As for passenger traffic, Moroccan ports witnessed the transit of 720,645 travelers by the end of March, representing an increase of 3.9%. Cruise activity also saw a recorded growth of 46.9% in the first quarter of this year, with a total of 55,668 cruise passengers. Air transport activity also showed continued growth with a double-digit rate by the end of the first quarter, strengthening by 16.4%. The center also highlighted Morocco's measures to facilitate the return of Moroccans residing abroad, which is set to strengthen ports performance. Moroccan ports receive millions of passengers between June and September as part of the Marhaba Operation, an annual initiative the country launches to facilitate the transit of Moroccans residing abroad as well as travelers visiting the North African country from different destinations. This is expected to contribute to Morocco's economy as well as the tourism industry. In 2024, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists, and the country expects 26 million travelers by 2030. Tags: airports moroccoMoroccan ports
Morocco World
28-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Airports See Record 32.7 Million Passengers in 2024
Rabat – Air travel in Morocco hit a new record in 2024 when 32.7 million travelers passed through Moroccan airports. The statistic is up 21% from the last year, the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) reports. The increase is due to consistent growth in both international and domestic travel. The number of international passengers rose by 20%, while domestic travelers increased by 30%, the DEPF reported, citing data from the National Airports Authority (ONDA). Authorities have introduced a new strategy, 'Airports 2030,' to turn Morocco's airports into strategic hubs that match the country's economic and tourism ambitions. The plan seeks to modernize infrastructure and enhance capacity to cater to expanding needs. The largest airport in the country, Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, is set to raise its capacity to 35 million from 14 million by 2029. The airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez will also undergo a significant modernization to double capacity. Meanwhile, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has also embarked on a daring plan to expand its fleet from 50 aircraft to 200 by the year 2037 and make itself a force to be reckoned with in global aviation. Moreover, Morocco is working on making a mega airport expansion become a reality under its comprehensive master plan to advance its air linkages. Last month, Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh announced that the country is set to invest around MAD 42 billion ($4.1 billion) in airport expansion projects by 2030. The 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting alongside Spain and Portugal, is a major catalyst for this initiative, as the North African country is determined to be a global gateway and provide smooth air transport for the crowds and football fans. Airport traffic may reach as high as 60 million passengers by 2030 and 90 million by 2035, forecasted the minister. Tags: 2030 World Cupair travelairportairports morocco
