Tetouan airport passenger traffic falls 8.9% in first half of 2026

Yesterday 14:33

By: Sahili Aya

Tetouan airport passenger traffic falls 8.9% in first half of 2026

Passenger traffic at Tetouan’s Saniat R’mel International Airport declined by 8.9% during the first six months of 2026, despite a significant increase in aircraft movements and a strong rebound in June.

According to figures released by Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA), the airport handled 177,529 commercial passengers between January and June, compared with 195,045 during the same period in 2025.

The figures point to a contrasting performance: overall passenger numbers weakened, while flight movements increased and June delivered a notable year-on-year recovery.

International traffic accounts for most passengers

International services continued to dominate Tetouan’s passenger activity during the first half of the year.

A total of 156,931 passengers travelled on international flights through the airport, representing a 10.2% decline compared with the first half of 2025.

Domestic traffic followed a different trajectory. The airport recorded 20,598 passengers on domestic routes, an increase of 2.3% year on year.

The figures underline the airport’s strong reliance on international connectivity, while also showing modest growth in its domestic passenger segment.

More aircraft movements despite fewer passengers

The decline in passenger numbers was accompanied by an increase in airport activity.

Tetouan airport recorded approximately 1,710 aircraft movements during the first six months of 2026, up 8.5% from the 1,576 movements registered over the same period a year earlier.

The divergence between aircraft movements and passenger volumes suggests that the increase in flight activity has not translated into equivalent growth in passenger numbers.

June brings a sharp rebound

The monthly figures for June offered a more positive picture.

Tetouan airport handled 39,353 passengers during the month, compared with 33,077 in June 2025. That represents an annual increase of 18.9%.

The June surge could provide a stronger foundation for the airport’s performance during the second half of the year, particularly as Morocco enters a period of heightened travel demand.

Morocco’s airports maintain overall growth

Tetouan’s decline contrasts with the broader performance of Morocco’s airport network.

Nationwide, Moroccan airports handled 18,831,461 commercial passengers by the end of June 2026, an 8.83% increase compared with the 17,303,047 passengers recorded during the first half of 2025.

The national figures point to continued expansion in Morocco’s air transport sector, even as individual airports experience differing trends.

For Tetouan, the strong June performance and rising number of aircraft movements will be key indicators to watch as the airport moves into the second half of 2026.