Honestly, if you haven’t flown into a major airport in Morocco Africa recently, you’re in for a bit of a shock next time you land. Things are moving fast. I’m not talking about the usual "we’re painting the walls" kind of fast. I mean the "we just handled 36 million people and now we’re building a billion-dollar terminal" kind of fast.
Just a few days ago, the National Airports Office (ONDA) dropped some wild numbers. Morocco’s airports hit a record-breaking 36.3 million passengers in 2025. That’s an 11% jump from the year before. If you were there for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that just wrapped up, you probably felt that energy—and the crowds.
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With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the kingdom is dumping billions into making sure their runways can handle the heat. But beyond the big numbers, there’s a lot of practical stuff you need to know if you're planning a trip this year.
The Big Three: Where You’ll Actually Land
Most people think of Casablanca as the only way in, but that’s not really true anymore. Marrakech has basically become a second capital for aviation.
Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)
This is the big boss. It's the hub for Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and the main gateway for long-haul flights from New York, DC, or Dubai. Just this month, in January 2026, a massive 12.8 billion dirham ($1.28 billion) contract was awarded to a Moroccan consortium (SGTM and TGCC) to build a brand-new terminal.
It’s going to be huge—600,000 square meters. They want to move 20 million people through this terminal alone. Right now, it’s a bit of a construction zone, but the train connection to the city center is still the most reliable way to beat the traffic. It takes about 45 minutes and costs next to nothing.
Marrakech Menara (RAK)
If you like pretty buildings, this is the one. It’s consistently voted one of the most beautiful airports in the world because of those giant white geometric lattices.
But beauty has a price: it’s crowded. For the first time ever, Marrakech hit the 10-million passenger mark last year. It’s officially a "top-tier" hub now. If you’re flying in here, expect long lines at passport control unless you’re arriving in the dead of night. The good news? It’s only about 6km from the Medina. A taxi shouldn't cost you more than 100-150 dirhams, but you'll still have to haggle like your life depends on it.
Agadir Al Massira (AGA)
Agadir is the sleeper hit. It handles about 10% of the country’s traffic, mostly sun-seekers from Europe. It’s much more chill than Casa or Marrakech. If you’re heading to the surf camps in Taghazout, this is where you want to be. It’s a 30-minute drive to the city, and honestly, the breeze off the Atlantic makes the wait on the tarmac much more bearable.
What’s Changing Right Now?
The government isn't just dreaming; they're spending. The African Development Bank just cleared a €270 million loan specifically for modernizing airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez.
Why does this matter to you? * More Direct Routes: Royal Air Maroc is on a tear. They’ve announced new 2026 routes from Casablanca to places like Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, and even Tripoli.
- Faster Processing: A huge part of the "Airport 2030" strategy is fixing the "bottle-neck" at security. You'll start seeing more automated gates and biometrics in the major hubs by the end of this year.
- Regional Growth: Rabat-Salé Airport actually grew the fastest last year, jumping 26% in traffic. It’s becoming a legit alternative to Casablanca if you want to visit the north without the chaos of CMN.
Navigating the "Petit" Airports
Don't ignore the smaller spots. If you're trying to reach the blue city of Chefchaouen, flying into Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG) is a pro move. It’s seen a 17% growth lately.
Then there’s Nador and Oujda in the northeast. These aren't tourist traps. They mostly serve the Moroccan diaspora coming home from Spain and Germany. If you end up here, don't expect a lot of English. It’s basic, it’s functional, and it gets you to the Mediterranean coast way faster than a 10-hour train ride from the south.
Fez Saïss (FEZ) is another one to watch. It’s the gateway to the world’s largest car-free urban area (the Fez Medina). The airport terminal is modern—surprisingly so—and handles about 2 million people a year now. It’s a very easy entry point if you want to avoid the "big city" feel of Casablanca.
The 2030 Vision vs. Reality
Look, the goal is to hit 80 million passengers by 2030. That is an insane number. It would double the current capacity.
The Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, has been very vocal about "doubling air transport capacity by 2026." We are in that window right now. You’re going to see a lot of cranes. You’re going to see "Coming Soon" signs on luxury lounges.
One thing people get wrong is thinking every airport in Morocco Africa is a high-tech marvel. It’s a mix. You might land in the ultra-modern Marrakech terminal and then take a domestic flight to Dakhla (VIL) where things feel a lot more old-school. Dakhla is incredible for kitesurfing, by the way, but the airport is basically one room and a runway. That’s part of the charm, I guess.
Survival Tips for Moroccan Airports in 2026
- Download the ONDA App: It’s actually gotten decent. It gives real-time updates on delays which, let’s be honest, happen.
- The "Grand Taxi" Rule: At almost every airport, there’s a board with "fixed" prices for taxis. Take a photo of it. Drivers will still try to quote you double. Pointing at the photo usually ends the argument.
- Currency Exchange: Don't change all your money at the arrival gate. The rates are predictably terrible. Change enough for a taxi, then find a bureau de change in the city.
- Domestic Flights: Royal Air Maroc (RAM) and Air Arabia Maroc are your best bets. RAM is the "full service" option, while Air Arabia is the budget king. If you’re flying between cities, book early. These planes are small and they fill up with locals fast.
Morocco is clearly positioning itself as the "Gateway to Africa." With the new Casablanca terminal scheduled to finish in 2029 and the massive fleet expansion of the national carrier, the days of Morocco being a "niche" destination are long gone.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Rabat for better deals: If Casablanca flights are looking pricey, check RBA. The high-speed Al Boraq train connects Rabat to Casa and Tangier in record time, making it a very viable entry point.
- Verify your Terminal in Casa: With the new construction starting, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 roles are shifting. Double-check your departure terminal on your digital boarding pass before you head to the airport.
- Book private transfers for Marrakech: Since the airport hit 10 million passengers, the taxi queue can be a nightmare. Pre-booking a transfer for roughly $15-20 saves you an hour of standing in the sun.
- Monitor RAM's new US routes: If you're flying from North America, the new Los Angeles and increased Miami frequencies are game-changers for avoiding European layovers.