Morocco sets ambitious airport and railway expansion goals ahead of 2030 World Cup

Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdelssamad Qayouh, announced on Monday that the kingdom’s airport capacity is set to reach 80 million passengers by 2030, as part of a comprehensive national infrastructure vision tied to major international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking during a parliamentary Q&A session, Qayouh revealed plans for a new international airport in Casablanca to be built within the existing Mohammed V Airport complex on an 800-hectare site. The facility alone is expected to handle 40 million passengers annually.

To support this strategic expansion, the government has launched a 28-billion-dirham ($2.8 billion) investment plan that includes this major airport project, which will be linked to Morocco’s high-speed rail (TGV) network. The travel time from Casablanca to Marrakech will be reduced to 50 minutes, and to Tangier to just 90 minutes.

The minister also emphasized ongoing reforms aimed at improving the travel experience, such as the removal of certain security scanning equipment to promote a more travel-friendly environment and encourage greater use of air travel.

In tandem with airport expansions, Royal Air Maroc’s fleet is set to grow to 100 aircraft, with key regional airports like Rabat-Salé and Fez undergoing capacity upgrades.

Qayouh assured lawmakers that Morocco is committed to meeting FIFA standards in time for the 2030 World Cup, with all related projects expected to be completed on schedule.

However, several MPs raised concerns about airport amenities, particularly cleanliness, seating capacity, and responsiveness to traveler complaints—especially those directed at the national carrier.

Turning to the railway sector, the minister highlighted continuous investment in maintenance and modernization by the national railway company, ONCF, which complies with international standards and holds a certificate of excellence.

Qayouh also outlined progress on the planned high-speed rail extension from Marrakech to Agadir. Preliminary studies are complete, with final technical and financial assessments expected within three months, after which financing will be sought. Land has already been acquired near Marrakech and Agadir, including an 8-kilometer stretch and over 60 hectares near Adrar Stadium.

He also confirmed that the Marrakech–Casablanca TGV line is on track for completion by 2029, and feasibility studies are underway for a future high-speed link between Marrakech and Essaouira.

Meanwhile, construction continues at railway stations in Rabat-Ville, Settat, Taza, Skhirat, and Meknes, complementing already completed next-generation stations in Rabat-Agdal, Casablanca-Voyageurs, Kenitra, and Tangier.

As for the national railway’s 2024 performance, Qayouh reported that 56 million passengers were transported, with high-speed Al Boraq trains playing a key role. Nonetheless, MPs urged a reevaluation of railway infrastructure in several underserved cities.