€270 Million for the Expansion of Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fez Airports by 2030

Morocco and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group have signed a €270 million financing agreement for a programme to expand and modernise airport infrastructure. The programme aims to strengthen the operational capacity of four major airports and prepare them to accommodate the growth in passenger traffic and air freight expected over the coming years.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday in Casablanca during a ceremony chaired by Sidi Ould Tah, president of the African Development Bank Group, and Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, in the presence of several officials from both institutions and the parties involved in the operation.

The agreement was signed by Achraf Tarsim, head of the African Development Bank Group’s country office in Morocco, and Adil El Fakir, director-general of the National Airports Office (ONDA). The institution “Tamwilcom”, whose director-general Saïd Jebrane attended the signing ceremony, is providing the financial guarantee for the operation.

In a statement dated September 30, 2026, the African Development Bank said the loan would support the modernisation and expansion of the airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Fez and Tangier. The programme aims to increase the competitiveness of Morocco’s air transport sector and strengthen the Kingdom’s links with international markets.

By 2030, the targeted annual passenger capacity is expected to reach 14 million at Marrakech Airport, 5 million at Agadir Airport, 3.6 million at Tangier Airport and 3 million at Fez Airport—bringing the total capacity of the four airports to approximately 25.6 million passengers.

The programme includes the modernisation of airport infrastructure and equipment, the expansion of air navigation systems and the strengthening of safety and security measures. It also provides for the introduction of modern security equipment, automated baggage-handling systems and digital solutions to facilitate passengers’ journeys through the airports.

The programme focuses on reducing the time required to process travel formalities, improving the quality of services provided to passengers and raising operational safety standards, in line with international standards governing the air transport sector.

Sidi Ould Tah said the loan for the National Airports Office supports Morocco’s ambition to modernise its airport infrastructure and expand its capacity, particularly in Marrakech, Agadir, Fez and Tangier. It also contributes to preparing the Kingdom to host major international events.

He added that the operation also forms part of the African aviation transformation programme adopted by the Bank to support African countries in modernising and financing their air transport systems and strengthening their integration, with the aim of building a safer, more competitive and sustainable sector that is better connected across the continent.

For her part, Nadia Fettah stressed that several reforms and major projects carried out by Morocco had benefited from African Development Bank financing. She praised the continental institution’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s projects, particularly in the airport sector.

The agreement forms part of Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its position as an air transport hub linking Africa, Europe and the rest of the world. It is also linked to the implementation of the objectives set out in the Kingdom’s tourism vision for 2030.

According to the Bank, modernising the airports concerned will enable them to meet the expected growth in passenger and freight traffic, improve air connectivity and support mobility needs, while also bolstering tourism, trade and logistics-related activities.

During its implementation phase, the programme is expected to contribute to the creation of several thousand jobs, particularly for young people and women, as well as to strengthening operational safety at the airports.

In the medium term, tourism, commercial and logistics activities are expected to benefit from increased capacity and improved air connectivity, as well as from the mobilisation of additional public and private investment linked to air transport and related services.