Casablanca Airport Set for $1.6 Billion Upgrade Ahead of 2030 World Cup

Morocco is setting its sights on the global stage with an ambitious overhaul of Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, aimed squarely at preparing the country’s main air gateway for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has launched two international calls for expressions of interest, marking the first concrete step in transforming the airport into a world-class hub.

The plan involves selecting a program manager to support ONDA in overseeing and coordinating the massive project, as well as a construction firm—or consortium—responsible for designing and building the new terminal. This includes integrating advanced airport systems supplied by external providers, all in line with international aviation standards.

Scheduled to open by the end of 2029, the new terminal will boost the airport’s capacity to 35 million passengers a year. With an estimated investment of 15 billion dirhams (approximately $1.6 billion), the project represents a bold move to elevate Casablanca as a key connector between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It also supports the international growth ambitions of Royal Air Maroc, which continues to expand its global network.

This major development is part of ONDA’s broader “Airports 2030” roadmap, which aims to deliver more efficient, environmentally friendly, and better-connected airport infrastructure across the country. The new terminal will embody that vision, incorporating the latest innovations in passenger experience, energy transition, and climate resilience.

One of the standout features of the project is a planned high-speed rail station directly connected to the terminal. The new TGV line will slash travel times—just 30 minutes to Rabat and under an hour to Marrakech—positioning the airport not only as an international hub, but also as a central node in Morocco’s domestic mobility network.

The scale and ambition of the renovation underscore Morocco’s determination to make aviation a driver of economic growth and a magnet for international tourism and investment. As the country gears up to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, this infrastructure upgrade sends a clear message: Morocco is ready to take its place on the world stage, not just in sport, but in global connectivity.