The African country loved by Brits getting a £1.2bn airport boost

A major airport in an African destination popular with Brits is receiving a £1.2 billion boost as part of the country's efforts to transform air travel to and from the country. The Mohammed V International Airport in Nouaceur Province, Morocco, is undergoing a major expansion as part of Morocco's Airport 2030 strategy.

The plan launched by the Moroccan Airports Authority aims to enhance airport infrastructure, increase capacity, and improve the passenger experience. Kamil Al-Awadhi, the International Air Transport Association Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, said: "Given the critical and growing importance of aviation to Morocco's economy, the launch of the 'Airports 2030 Strategy' will have a far-reaching and positive impact on Morocco's economic and social development."

Morocco's tourism industry is experiencing a surge, with the country welcoming a record 17.4 million tourists in 2024. Mohammed V International Airport is the country's busiest airport and saw nearly 10.5 million passengers pass through in 2024.

Its current annual passenger capacity is approximately 15 million. However, with the new terminal, the capacity is expected to increase to 35 million passengers per year.

The entire project, which costs 15 billion Moroccan dirhams (approximately £1.2 billion), will feature a brand-new 3,700-metre parallel runway, extended taxiways, a new 42-metre air traffic control tower, and an integrated high-speed rail station connecting the airport with Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech via the Al Boraq line.

The new terminal is expected to be completed in 2029, just ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Mr Al-Awadhi added: "It is no coincidence that the 'Airports 2030 Strategy' aligns with Morocco being a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

"Morocco will be on the world stage, which is a great incentive to be ready to show off Morocco's growing strength as an aviation hub linking Africa, Europe and North America."