Moroccan airports achieved a new record in 2024, with 24,274,324 passengers welcomed by the end of September. This marks an increase of 19.66% compared to last year, according to data published by the National Airports Office (ONDA).
This growth aligns with Morocco's tourism statistics, as the country is considered a preferred destination for many travelers seeking attractive locations. In addition, Morocco attracts many business travelers due to the robust economic activity developed in Morocco in recent years.
The end of September marked a significant milestone in tourism, with more than 13 million tourists visiting Morocco this year.
This record-breaking number represents an increase of 2 million tourists compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting Morocco's growing appeal as an international tourist destination, as stated in an official announcement from the Ministry of Tourism.
This positive trend in tourism is also impacting airport traffic in the North African country. Several major Moroccan airports have contributed to this growth: Rabat-Salé Airport recorded an impressive 42.77% increase in passenger numbers, closely followed by Agadir Airport with a 36.5% rise.
These figures are partially attributed to a 32% increase in international traffic, with Morocco capturing a substantial share of global visitor numbers.
The tourist center of Marrakech experienced a notable increase in the number of visitors, rising by 33.88%. Similarly, Dakhla, Tetouan, and Tangier saw increases of 35.94%, 31.09%, and 21.91%, respectively. The Office National Des Aéroports (ONDA) attributed these positive figures to tourism growth, expanded flight options, and improved regional air connections.
Domestic air traffic alone rose by 28.82%, exceeding 2.5 million passengers. In contrast, international flights—accounting for most of Morocco's air traffic—saw an increase of 18.67% year-on-year, totaling 21,721,637 passengers.
The growth in international arrivals was primarily driven by European travelers, with traffic from Europe increasing by 19.86%. In addition, arrivals from African countries grew by 17.68%, and those from the Middle East increased by 11.99%.
In recent years, Morocco has enhanced its air connections with numerous new international destinations, increasing passenger numbers. The Moroccan government plans to double its air infrastructure by 2035, a strategy partly motivated by the upcoming 2030 World Cup. This event will accommodate a significant visitors' growth as Morocco co-hosts the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.
The Kingdom of Morocco is dedicated to a project aimed at expanding and modernizing its airports. Mohamed Abdeljalil, Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, has announced that Morocco plans to renovate and expand several Moroccan airports to increase their capacity from the current 40 million passengers to 80 million by 2035.