IATA welcomes Morocco’s Airports 2030 Strategy

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed Morocco’s Airports 2030 Strategy.A key pillar of the country’s economy, aviation (including aviation-related tourism) supported 856,000 jobs and contributed 7.9% (US$11.2 billion) to the economy in 2023. Additionally, 93% of passengers departing from Moroccan airports (11.7 million) were bound for international destinations. The country also handled some 77,900 tonnes of air cargo.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, commented: “Given the critical and growing importance of aviation to Morocco’s economy, the launch of the Airports 2030 Strategy will have a far-reaching and positive impact on Morocco’s economic and social development. A comprehensive strategy on airport infrastructure investment will help secure future growth.”

Key government priorities

To gain the maximum benefit from investments in airport infrastructure, IATA proposed three priorities for Morocco:

• Cost-efficiency: fair and competitive charges, taxes and fees are essential to foster connectivity as Morocco upgrades its airport infrastructure. The government must ensure collaboration with users and compliance with global best practices to avoid unnecessary financial burden on airlines and passengers
• Capacity-building: investments in infrastructure must be coupled with investments in human resources. A skilled workforce is needed to support airport modernisation and to meet the expected growth in aviation
• Consumer regulation: smart regulation is essential for aviation to thrive. Ineffective consumer legislation from Europe and the US should not be imported. The development of the Passenger Rights Law must focus on a framework that reflects global best practices and industry standards.

“It is no coincidence that the Airports 2030 Strategy aligns with Morocco being a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup,” said Al-Awadhi. “Morocco will be on the world stage, which is a great incentive to be ready to show off Morocco’s growing strength as an aviation hub linking Africa, Europe and North America.”

Ghana and Morocco recently signed a visa waiver agreement as part of plans to strengthen ‎diplomatic ties.‎