World Cup 2030: Morocco Commits $4.2 Billion To Airport Infrastructure

Morocco has unveiled a $4.2 billion investment plan to expand and modernise its airports as the country ramps up preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.

Unveiled on Thursday, the ambitious programme aims to more than double Morocco’s annual airport capacity – from 38 million to 80 million passengers – by the end of the decade. The upgrades are intended to accommodate the anticipated surge in international travel brought by football’s global showpiece, as well as to support the country’s growing tourism sector.

At the centre of the plan is Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Morocco’s busiest aviation hub, which will receive the lion’s share of the investment. Authorities are planning to build a new terminal and an additional runway at the site, with the total cost projected at $2.5 billion.

Elsewhere, airports in key tourist destinations such as Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, and Fez are also slated for expansion and refurbishment.

Tourism plays a central role in Morocco’s development strategy. The country broke records in 2024 by attracting over 17 million international visitors, and officials have set an ambitious target of reaching 26 million tourists annually by 2030.

The World Cup, which will mark the tournament’s centenary edition, is expected to act as a powerful catalyst for further tourism growth, with Morocco hosting matches as part of the celebration across multiple continents.

The airport revamp is also seen as a crucial requirement in meeting FIFA’s logistical and infrastructural requirements.

As the countdown to 2030 continues, the investment underscores Morocco’s determination to use the World Cup as a springboard for broader economic development.

Insideworldfootball.com