Morocco secures 270 million EUR from AfDB for airport modernization
Morocco has officially secured financing of 270 million euros from the African Development Bank (AfDB). This investment is aimed at supporting a large program to modernize and expand the Kingdom’s airport infrastructure.
The main goal of this project is to significantly increase the annual handling capacity of the targeted airports, in order to meet the growth in air traffic and prepare the country for future deadlines, especially toward 2030.
AfDB releases 270 million euros to modernize 4 strategic airports by 2030
This is the largest airport-related funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) in the Maghreb since 2020. The AfDB Board of Directors approved on December 12, 2025, financing of 270 million euros for Morocco for its Airport Expansion and Modernization Program. Airport infrastructure (PEMIA), led by the National Airports Office (ONDA).
A program timed with the 2030 World Cup The goal is clear: to increase the operational capacity of the Moroccan airport network to handle the growth in passenger and freight traffic by 2030, the year Morocco will co-host the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal. “Further developing Morocco as a destination and strengthening its logistical competitiveness to prepare for a global event like the 2030 FIFA World Cup remains our strategic priority,” said Achraf Hassan Tarsim, head of the World Bank country office in Morocco.
The PEMIA aims to improve air transport competitiveness through three main axes: upgrading infrastructures, expanding the air navigation system, and strengthening ground security measures. 4 airports targeted, 1.5 million m² of construction The financing specifically targets: Marrakech-Menara (RAK): Expansion of the terminal + construction of a new control tower with radionavigation, radiocommunication, and weather equipment.
Agadir Al Massira (AGA) Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG) Fès-Saïss (FEZ) For the 4 airports, the program includes: Expansion of terminals Development of 1.5 million m² of aircraft parking 7.6 km of taxiways Earthworks, roadways, signage, light markings, and night lighting Installation of state-of-the-art security equipment, automated baggage handling systems, and modern mobility equipment to streamline the passenger journey. Beyond the runways: an economic challenge According to Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure at the AfDB, the project will “meet sustained growth in air traffic by equipping national airports with facilities that meet international standards.”
In the short term: improving operational safety and creating thousands of jobs, especially for the women and young people. In the medium term: boosting tourism (Morocco aims for 26 million tourists in 2030 compared to 17.4M in 2024), trade, and logistics competitiveness. This funding is part of the Moroccan mega airport plan “Airports 2030,” estimated at over 4.2 billion dollars, including the construction of the new Casablanca Mohammed V terminal, Royal Air’s hub.
