€270 million AfDB deal accelerates Morocco’s airport modernisation drive

Wednesday 30 September 2026 - 20:45

Casablanca — Morocco is moving ahead with a major expansion of its airport network after signing a €270 million financing agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the Programme for the Extension and Modernisation of Airport Infrastructure, known as PEMIA.

The agreement, signed in Casablanca, brings additional financial backing to a programme designed to upgrade key airports, increase passenger-handling capacity and modernise the systems supporting air transport across the Kingdom. The AfDB’s Board had previously approved the €270 million operation in December 2025.

The financing is directed to Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) and forms part of a broader investment programme estimated at around €863 million. According to AfDB project documents, the bank’s contribution represents roughly 31% of the overall cost, with the remaining financing provided by Morocco through ONDA.

Four airports at the centre of the programme

The PEMIA programme focuses in particular on the airports of Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fès, where infrastructure is expected to be expanded and upgraded to accommodate rising demand.

The programme includes terminal extensions, improvements to air-navigation systems and stronger security arrangements. In Marrakech, the project also provides for a new control tower, while planned works include approximately 1.5 million square metres of aircraft parking areas and 7.6 kilometres of taxiways.

By 2030, the targeted annual passenger capacities are expected to reach 14 million at Marrakech, five million at Agadir, 3.6 million at Tangier and three million at Fès. These figures illustrate the scale of the infrastructure expansion planned under PEMIA.

Digital systems and passenger services

The investment is not limited to expanding physical infrastructure. A significant part of the programme concerns the technological transformation of airport operations.

Planned upgrades include next-generation security equipment, automated baggage-handling systems and modern passenger-mobility solutions. The AfDB project documentation also identifies digitalisation and automation as key components of the programme.

The objective is to make airport operations more efficient while improving security and reducing friction throughout the passenger journey. For travellers, the changes are expected to translate into faster processing, more streamlined baggage procedures and improved airport facilities.

Preparing for higher traffic and international events

The investment comes as Morocco anticipates continued growth in both passenger and cargo traffic. The AfDB has linked the programme to the country's broader efforts to strengthen transport and logistics infrastructure and to prepare for major international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.

The airport programme also supports Morocco’s Tourism Vision 2030, which places greater connectivity and tourism infrastructure at the centre of the country's development strategy.

The AfDB has previously financed several major Moroccan airport projects. Its recent interventions have included support for infrastructure in Rabat, Marrakech, Fès and other major cities, contributing to the expansion of the country's aviation network.

A wider economic impact

Beyond aviation itself, the programme is expected to have implications for tourism, trade, logistics and investment.

In the short term, the modernisation programme is expected to create several thousand jobs, with particular opportunities for young people and women, while strengthening the safety and operational efficiency of airport facilities. Over the medium term, improved air connectivity could support tourism activity, commercial exchanges and investment linked to transport and logistics.

For Morocco, the expansion of airport capacity forms part of a wider infrastructure strategy aimed at improving the movement of people and goods and strengthening the country's position within international transport networks. The AfDB describes the PEMIA project as part of this broader effort to improve logistical competitiveness and modernise the national transport system.

With the €270 million financing now forming part of the programme's implementation framework, Morocco is positioning its major airports for a period of sustained expansion, with Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fès expected to play an increasingly important role in the Kingdom's regional and international air connectivity.