Morocco’s airports witnessed a surge in traffic, welcoming a total of 6,873,487 passengers by the end of March 2024, marking a 14% year on year, according to a National Airports Office (ONDA) press release.
ONDA reported that the number of flights reached 51,282 movements in the first three months of 2024, showing an 11% growth compared to the end of March 2023.
Several airports in particular reached double-digit growth rates during the first quarter of 2024, including Marrakech (+22%), Agadir (+23%), Rabat-Salé (+32%), Dakhla (+19%), Essaouira (+38%), and Ouarzazate (+36%).
These figures in international air traffic can be attributed to the introduction of new air routes, increased weekly frequencies, and high aircraft occupancy rates exceeding 90%, sometimes even reaching full capacity.
Marrakech Menara Airport witnessed a significant increase in air traffic (+22% compared to Q1 of 2023), mainly driven by an aircraft occupancy rate of over 90% and the addition of 10 new international weekly frequencies and 4 domestic ones.
Agadir Al Massira Airport, in addition to Umrah flights, saw the introduction of 13 new international air routes during Q1 of 2023, totaling 19 new weekly frequencies. Rabat-Salé Airport welcomed a new airline (Easy Jet) bringing in 5 new air routes with a total of 13 weekly frequencies.
ONDA forecasts total passenger traffic exceeding 30 million in 2024, with significant growth rates of 23% for Marrakech Airport, and 22% and 13% respectively for Agadir and Tangier airports.
ONDA noted in the press release that major projects are underway, including the development of Rabat-Salé Airport, the expansion of Tetouan Airport, and the enhancement of aeronautical infrastructure at Al Hoceima Airport.
It added that other projects will be launched soon, such as the extension and redevelopment of Agadir and Marrakech airports, the construction of a new terminal at Tangier Airport, and ongoing studies for Casablanca Airport.
Moreover, there were 51,282 airport movements during Q1 of 2024, compared to 46,379 movements recorded year-on-year, reflecting an 11% growth rate.
In terms of freight, handled tonnages increased by 30% in Q1 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, totaling 23,802 tons.