Latest news with #NationalAirportsAuthority
Business Insider
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Morocco touts a $4.2 billion plan ahead of its World Cup duties
Morocco has announced a major infrastructure investment of 38 billion dirhams ($4.2 billion) over the next five years to upgrade its main airports in preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Morocco announced a $4.2 billion investment plan to upgrade its main airports to prepare for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The initiative aims to increase airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million passengers annually by 2030. The 2030 World Cup will span three continents and involve symbolic matches in South American countries to honor the inaugural event. The Moroccan government officially announced on Thursday that a significant agreement had been reached with the National Airports Authority (ONDA). This pivotal deal is set to facilitate the execution of a highly anticipated and ambitious refurbishment project aimed at modernizing and upgrading the nation's airport infrastructure. The objective is to increase the country's airport capacity from 38 million to 80 million people per year by 2030, a critical step as Morocco prepares for an increase in foreign visitors. The centerpiece of this development will be a new terminal at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, the country's largest, which is estimated to increase capacity by 20 million passengers. Morocco has previously called for bids on this project. Tourism is also growing. The country received a record 17.4 million visitors in 2024, a 20% increase over the previous year, and aims to reach 26 million tourists by 2030, as per Reuters. While the expansion may result in additional cash from television rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, it also poses considerable logistical issues, such as more matches and lodging requirements. Plans for the FIFA World Cup 2030 The FIFA World Cup, a tournament steeped in tradition and global anticipation, is set to embark on a new chapter in 2030, marking its centenary with an unprecedented geographical spread. This landmark iteration will be the most diversified in history, spanning three continents and bringing together nations from across the globe. While the core of the tournament's matches will be predominantly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, a significant and symbolic gesture will see Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay each host one match. This arrangement pays homage to the inaugural World Cup in 1930, which was held in Uruguay. This multi-continental approach reflects FIFA's vision for a more inclusive and globally representative World Cup. The logistical complexities of such a widespread event will be considerable, but the opportunity to connect different regions of the world through the unifying power of football is a key driver behind this innovative hosting model. The football governing body also plans to host a 64-team format tournament in 2030, as opposed to one that hosts 48 teams. FIFA had only recently increased the tournament from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 edition in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Morocco World
24-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Signs Landmark $3.7 Billion Deal to Upgrade Airports, Boost Aviation Sector
Rabat — The head of government, Aziz Akhannouch, officially signed today a strategic agreement with the National Airports Authority (ONDA) to invest MAD 38 billion ($3.7 billion) over five years in Morocco's airport infrastructure . This ambitious plan focuses on expanding and modernizing key airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez. A centerpiece of the project is the construction of a new international air terminal designed to serve as a major regional hub, alongside the addition of a new runway at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. These upgrades alone represent an investment of MAD 25 billion ($2.5 billion). The remaining MAD 13 billion (1.3 billion) will be allocated for maintenance, modernization, and land acquisition, ensuring the long-term operational flexibility and sustainability of the airport network. Prime Minister Akhannouch emphasized the significance of the agreement in advancing Morocco's broader developmental goals and positioning the country as a regional aviation leader. 'Thanks to the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King, this deal will reinforce Morocco's status as a key international aviation hub,' he said. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic growth, enhance regional integration, and promote social cohesion across the country. Read also: Morocco's Airport Authority Restructures Leadership to Advance 2030 Strategy This investment is fully aligned with ONDA's strategic 'Airports 2030' vision, which aims to accommodate increasing air traffic and support the expansion plans of Royal Air Maroc , Morocco's national airline. The improvements come as Morocco prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and looks beyond 2030 toward sustained economic development. In a related announcement, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh previously revealed that Morocco has launched a MAD 28 billion ($2.8 billion) investment program under the ' Airports 2030' strategy, targeting a doubling of passenger capacity to 80 million by 2030. A key element of this program is the construction of a new airport in Casablanca on an 800-hectare site adjacent to the existing Mohammed V Airport. This new facility alone will handle 40 million passengers and serve as a gateway to long-haul destinations requiring flights of over eight hours. 'This program primarily involves building a new airport in Casablanca, following Royal directives, to strengthen Morocco's connections with the rest of the world, especially more distant countries,' Kayouh told the Chamber of Representatives during a parliamentary session. The signing ceremony was attended by ministers responsible for tourism, transport, and budget, alongside senior officials from ONDA and the National Agency for Strategic Management of State Contributions and Monitoring of Public Institutions and Enterprises. This agreement marks a critical milestone in Morocco's efforts to modernize its aviation sector, emphasizing innovation, service excellence, and sustainable development as the pillars of its future growth. Tags: Airports 2030aviation morocco
Ya Biladi
08-07-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
ONDA begins earthworks for new terminal at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca
DR 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.
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.
