Morocco Elevates Travel Experience With Massive Airport Upgrades Ahead Of The 2030 World Cup: Here’s What You Should Know

Published on July 25, 2025

Morocco has launched a $4.2 billion project to modernise and expand its airports as it gears up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the government said on Thursday. This is the objective of an investment plan involving several billions of euros: that of doubling the capacity of Moroccan airports within 10 years – from 38 million passengers to 80 million per year by the end of the decade. The enhancements not only seek to support the expected flow of visitors for the 2030 World Cup, but to work towards Morocco’s long-term ambitions of strengthening its tourism sector, increasing global accessibility and enhancing travel experiences overall.

A Comprehensive Plan to Upgrade Morocco’s Aviation Sector

The Moroccan aviation sector is currently experiencing a profound change. The $4.2bn project is part of a wider push to modernise and expand its network of airports ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The new terminal will be able to handle the increasing number of travelers visiting the country, particularly given the World Cup, estimated to bring over 1 million tourists to Morocco.

The nation’s airports have been instrumental in its economic and tourism development for decades. The flow of tourists into Morocco has been increasing exponentially in the past several years. In 2024, over 17 million international tourists visited Morocco, a record breaking result that achieved the objective for 2026. Now, as the country prepares to host the World Cup, officials are aiming for 26 million tourists a year by 2030. The authorities hope to use World Cup as a springboard to also attract more foreign tourists and establish the country as one of the world’s most preferred travel destinations.

Key Airports in Morocco: Upgrades and Expansions

The centerpiece of Morocco’s airport expansion is the development of a new terminal at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. This project is expected to increase the airport’s capacity by 20 million passengers annually. The expansion includes the construction of a new 3,700-meter runway, an extended taxiway system, and a new air traffic control tower. Additionally, an integrated high-speed rail station will connect the airport to major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech via the Al Boraq line, facilitating seamless travel for international visitors.

Beyond Casablanca, other major airports are also undergoing significant upgrades. Marrakech-Menara Airport, a vital gateway for tourists visiting the country’s cultural heart, will see its capacity rise from 7.4 million to 14 million passengers per year. Agadir Al Massira Airport, a key point of entry for visitors traveling to the Atlantic coast, will have its capacity increased from 2.5 million to 6.3 million passengers. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport will undergo a $327 million expansion project that will allow the airport to triple its passenger capacity to 7 million annually. Finally, Fez-Saïss Airport will receive upgrades to accommodate the growing number of international tourists traveling to Morocco’s northern cities.

These airport expansions will not only cater to the World Cup crowd but also support the steady growth of Morocco’s tourism sector, which relies on its ability to handle increased passenger numbers year-round. In addition to enhancing the infrastructure, the improvements will ensure that visitors to Morocco experience a seamless, modern, and comfortable arrival at the country’s key airports.

Supporting Morocco’s Growing Tourism Industry

Tourism has been a driving force in Morocco’s economic development. The country has long been a popular destination for international travelers, with attractions such as its vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning landscapes drawing visitors from all over the world. The 2030 World Cup presents an incredible opportunity for Morocco to expand its global tourism presence even further.

In addition to the airport expansions, the Moroccan government is investing heavily in the country’s overall tourism infrastructure, including roads, hotels, and public transportation. The goal is to create a world-class tourism environment that attracts not only sports fans for the World Cup but also leisure travelers who wish to experience Morocco’s rich culture and natural beauty.

In 2024, the country welcomed 17.4 million international visitors, surpassing its 2026 target for 2026. This record-breaking year was largely driven by Morocco’s increased global visibility and its growing appeal as a travel destination. With the World Cup fast approaching, the country is working to ensure that it can sustain and build on this growth. Officials have set an ambitious target of attracting 26 million visitors annually by 2030. The World Cup will undoubtedly provide a major boost to tourism numbers, but it also acts as a springboard for Morocco to continue developing its tourism sector in the years following the tournament.

Enhancing Connectivity Through High-Speed Rail

As part of its broader infrastructure overhaul, Morocco is also investing in expanding its high-speed rail network. The Al Boraq line, which connects Casablanca to Tangier and Rabat, is a crucial part of this development. Once fully operational, the Al Boraq line will provide quick and efficient travel between Morocco’s major cities, making it easier for visitors to travel across the country.

The integration of the airport infrastructure improvements with the rail network is a critical part of Morocco’s vision for the future. High-speed rail travel will make it easier for World Cup visitors to travel between event venues and major tourist attractions in Morocco’s top cities. The development of an integrated transportation system will also serve to bolster the country’s appeal as a convenient and accessible destination for international tourists.

Economic and Social Impact: Job Creation and Skills Development

The airport upgrades and tourism investments are expected to generate significant economic benefits for Morocco, particularly in terms of job creation and skills development. As the country ramps up its infrastructure projects, thousands of new jobs will be created in construction, hospitality, transportation, and various other sectors.

The Moroccan government has also made a concerted effort to ensure that local communities benefit from the increased investment in tourism and infrastructure. A key aspect of the airport expansion project is the creation of training programs for local workers, including specialized courses in airport operations, customer service, and tourism management. These programs are designed to equip local workers with the skills necessary to support the growing tourism and aviation sectors, ultimately helping to build a more resilient economy for Morocco in the long term.

Conclusion: Preparing for a Thrilling 2030 World Cup

The Moroccan $4.2-billion commitment of capital to airport infrastructure is a key component of that country’s preparation for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and its overall objective of improving tourism. Through boosting airport capacities, delivering a world class travel experience and requiring top notch transportation, Morocco is becoming a high-end global destination for tourism and sporting events.

Together with the construction of the country’s rail network and a tourism infrastructure expansion, the airport builds will help ensure Morocco is able cope with the increased level of visitors during the World Cup and beyond. This move highlights Morocco’s desire to assert itself as a force in the worldwide tourism sector, attracting millions of tourists from different countries and powering its economic expansion.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is a unique opportunity for Morocco and the country’s airport and infrastructure investment is a testament to its commitment to leveraging the event to highlight its millennia-old vibrant culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and warm hospitality.