Today, November 4, Adel El Fakir, Director General of the National Airports Authority (ONDA), appointed Hicham Rahil as the new Director of Casablanca Mohammed V Airport. With two decades of experience at ONDA, Rahil brings expertise in operational efficiency and innovation, holding a doctorate in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from Hassan II University, as well as a Master’s in Transportation and Logistics Engineering. He has previously held key positions at both Casablanca and Nador El Aroui airports.
Under Rahil’s leadership, Mohammed V Airport is entering a new phase of modernization focused on optimizing operations and enhancing the traveler experience. ONDA’s ongoing strategy includes revamping the airport’s infrastructure to meet international standards and prepare for the demands of 2030.
Central to this transformation is the new high-tech baggage handling system, designed to streamline the process and improve security. Spanning 3,000 square meters, the revamped transit baggage area is now equipped with advanced, dual-line conveyor systems featuring state-of-the-art explosive detection systems (EDS). This system directs cleared bags toward a loading carousel for connecting flights and diverts flagged items to a third line for additional screening with dual-view X-ray scanners.
The upgraded system processes 1,500 transit bags per hour, significantly enhancing punctuality and efficiency for international connections. Additionally, ONDA has bolstered the baggage claim area with inclined carousels, increasing processing capacity and reducing wait times for arriving passengers. The area now boasts 10 carousels, seven of which are newly replaced with the latest technology, enhancing capacity to meet the growing demands of air traffic.
ONDA has also announced plans for a complete renovation of the baggage claim hall to create a modern, comfortable, and functional space for travelers, in line with its goal of optimizing the passenger experience. The overarching aim is to make Mohammed V Airport a seamless transit point, reducing wait times and ensuring smooth passenger flows for all travelers.
This modernization drive reflects ONDA’s commitment to bolstering Mohammed V Airport as a major international hub, ready to support Morocco’s continuous air traffic growth. Positioned as a key player in the region, the airport is preparing to meet the challenges of the next decade, setting a high standard for airports across the Kingdom.
