DR ‹ › The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved €270 million in funding for Morocco to implement the Airport Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization Program (PEMIA). According to an AfDB statement, the initiative aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Morocco's air transport sector by modernizing several major hubs. The program is designed to accommodate the expected rise in passenger and freight traffic by 2030, particularly as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The investments include deploying state-of-the-art security systems, automated baggage handling, and modern mobility equipment, with the objective of delivering a smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel experience. The project covers the modernization of the airports in Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fès; terminal expansions; the construction of a new control tower in Marrakech; and the development of 1.5 million square meters of aircraft parking along with 7.6 kilometers of taxiways. Digitalization, operational fluidity, and enhanced passenger comfort are also central components of the program, which aims to transform the travel experience across Moroccan airports. In the short term, the commissioning of upgraded infrastructure will improve operational safety and create several thousand jobs, particularly for women and young people. In the medium term, the program is expected to stimulate tourism, trade, and both public and private investment in transport-related sectors. By 2030, airport capacities will see significant increases: 14 million passengers in Marrakech, five million in Agadir, 3.6 million in Tangier, and three million in Fès.
