Morocco Launches Construction of Major Terminal at Casablanca Airport

Casablanca, The Gulf Observer: Morocco has taken a significant leap toward realizing its aviation ambitions with the commencement of groundwork for a new state-of-the-art terminal at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. The development marks the beginning of the physical construction phase of one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects in recent years.

Spearheaded by the National Airports Office (ONDA), the project falls under the nationwide “Airports 2030” strategy, which aims to position Morocco as a leading air transport hub across Africa and beyond. The new terminal is expected to raise the airport’s annual capacity by 20 million passengers, ultimately enabling it to handle up to 35 million travelers per year. Once completed, it will be among the largest and most strategically located airport terminals on the African continent.

With an estimated investment of MAD 15 billion (approximately USD 1.5 billion), the terminal represents a transformative project for Morocco’s aviation infrastructure. The groundwork contract was awarded to Moroccan construction firm SOTAM following a national call for tenders. This initial eight-month phase transitions the project from extensive technical studies into active construction. These studies were undertaken by a coalition of international firms with a proven track record in developing major airport terminals in global cities such as London, Madrid, and Geneva.

According to ONDA, the terminal is designed in line with Morocco’s strategic vision for a modern, connected, and environmentally responsible aviation sector. The terminal will offer a fully digital travel experience, integrate advanced energy-efficient technologies, and incorporate infrastructure resilient to climate-related pressures.

Further enhancing its strategic importance, the terminal site will also host a high-speed train station, enabling passengers to reach Rabat within 30 minutes and Marrakech in under an hour.

Casablanca’s Role as a Continental Aviation Hub

Already serving as a critical nexus between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Casablanca is set to further consolidate its role as a continental air hub. ONDA emphasized that the new terminal will strengthen Casablanca’s standing at the crossroads of international air traffic, particularly as national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) continues to expand its global operations.

The timing of the project also aligns with Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, for which robust transportation infrastructure will be essential. However, the vision extends well beyond the tournament, aiming to establish long-term connectivity and support Morocco’s growing role in the global aviation landscape.

To ensure the highest quality and operational efficiency, ONDA launched an early call for interest to attract construction partners with proven expertise in complex airport systems. The selection process, which concluded in May 2025, drew participation from 27 consortia, both Moroccan and international.

With groundwork now underway, ONDA transitions from planning to execution, reaffirming Morocco’s determination to serve as a dynamic link between continents—connecting people, economies, and cultures through world-class aviation infrastructure.