The National Airports Authority (ONDA) has officially launched earthworks for the new terminal at Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, marking the first concrete step in one of Morocco's most ambitious infrastructure projects, set for completion by 2030. With a total investment of 15 billion dirhams, the new terminal is designed to handle an additional 20 million passengers per year, boosting the airport's overall capacity to 35 million, according to ONDA. This major expansion forms part of Morocco's «Airports 2030» national strategy, which prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and improved connectivity. Following a public tender, earthworks were awarded to leading national firm STAM and are scheduled to last eight months. This preparatory phase follows months of architectural and technical studies led by an international consortium made up of Ala Concept, RSHP Architects, and Egis Bâtiments International—firms behind iconic terminals in London, Madrid, and Geneva. The future terminal will reflect Morocco's ambition to be fully integrated into global economic and tourism networks. Casablanca is set to solidify its position as a key intercontinental hub linking Europe, Africa, and the Americas—while also supporting the expansion of Royal Air Maroc. Conceived as a next-generation terminal, the project promises a seamless, digitalized passenger experience, top-tier energy performance, enhanced climate resilience, and a built-in high-speed train station connecting the airport to Rabat in 30 minutes and to Marrakech in under an hour, according to ONDA. To ensure top-quality delivery, ONDA launched a Call for Expressions of Interest earlier this year to identify the most qualified contractors. Concluded at the end of May 2025, the process attracted 27 Moroccan and international groups with proven expertise in complex airport infrastructure. The competitive bidding for the terminal's construction began in July, with a contract award expected by the end of the year. With the start of earthworks, ONDA is pushing the Airports 2030 strategy to the forefront of Morocco's national development ambitions. In this context, Casablanca is asserting itself as a vital air hub—poised to welcome the world and proudly represent Morocco during the 2030 World Cup—ushering in a new era of connectivity, growth, and global influence.
