Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch on Monday announced plans to expand the country’s airport capacity to 80 million passengers by 2030, as part of preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup along with Spain and Portugal. This expansion also aims to strengthen the national tourism sector.
Casablanca airport is one of the main focuses of this plan, with capacity expected to increase to 23.3 million passengers. Furthermore, Marrakech and Agadir airports, which are vital for tourism, will have their capacities increased to 14 million and 6.3 million passengers, respectively.
Since 1999, Morocco’s airport network has grown significantly, growing from 15 to 25 airports, including 19 international ones.
In addition to airports, upgrades to sports infrastructure are planned, including the renovation of 45 training sites in six cities that will host World Cup games.
A highlight is the construction of a new stadium near Casablanca, which will have capacity for 115,000 spectators, with an estimated investment of 5 billion dirhams (around US$500 million).
The country has also seen significant growth in tourism, with a 20% increase in tourist arrivals by the end of November compared to the previous year. To date, Morocco has welcomed 15.9 million tourists in the first 11 months of the year.
Other infrastructure initiatives include expanding the high-speed rail line to Marrakech ahead of the World Cup and later to Agadir. The National Railway Office aims to reach 43 Moroccan cities and serve 87% of the population by 2040.
Additionally, the country is preparing to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025. During the 28th session of the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization in Rabat, Mohamed Abdeljalil, Minister of Transport and Logistics, highlighted that Royal Air Maroc (RAM) plans to quadruple its fleet by 2037.
Recently, RAM was named “Africa’s Best Airline” for the second consecutive year at the 21st GT Tested Reader Survey Awards, according to a local news agency.
With information from RT
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/12/17/os-planos-ambiciosos-do-marrocos-para-a-copa-do-mundo/
