Marrakesh Airport Expansion Aims to Ease Overcrowding as Air Traffic Surges

In the heart of Marrakesh, a significant expansion project at Menara Airport is set to transform the region's air travel landscape, aiming to alleviate the mounting congestion caused by an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers. This initiative by the National Airports Office (ONDA) addresses the urgent need for improved infrastructure as Morocco prepares to host several major sporting events in the coming years.

ONDA has announced the selection of an engineering consultancy firm to lead the expansion works at Marrakesh's Menara Airport. These works are designed to tackle the increasing air traffic, expected to escalate due to the country's vibrant tourism industry and upcoming international events.

The project involves a comprehensive reorganization of the existing terminals and an expansion of Terminals 1 and 2 to increase capacity. The renovation plans also include doubling the access roads to the runway, facilitating smoother aircraft movements, and expanding the parking area to accommodate 40 remote stands for medium-sized aircraft. This broad scope of work is anticipated to significantly enhance the airport's operational efficiency and passenger experience.

However, these ambitious plans have faced setbacks. ONDA's earlier strategy to relieve pressure on Marrakesh's airport infrastructure involved constructing a new airport outside the city in the Sidi Zouine area. This idea was ultimately scrapped due to its distance from Marrakesh, leading to the current focus on expanding Menara Airport instead.

The need for this expansion is underscored by recent air traffic statistics. Marrakesh Menara Airport experienced a remarkable 22% increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This trend followed a 41% increase in 2023 over 2022 and an 8% rise compared to the record-breaking year of 2019. Moreover, the recent influx of tourists has strained the airport's existing capacity, with current facilities struggling to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.

While ONDA's plans to expand the terminals and improve access are underway, the airport continues to face challenges in managing the overwhelming flow of passengers. As Marrakesh continues to attract visitors from around the globe, the successful execution of this project is crucial to ensuring the city remains a prime destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The expansion project at Menara Airport represents a pivotal step toward achieving this goal.