Marrakesh – The National Airports Office (ONDA) is set to commence expansion works at Marrakesh’s Menara Airport, responding to an exceptional surge in air traffic witnessed in the region, SNRT reported.

 

With Morocco poised to host several sporting events in the coming years, solutions are urgently needed to address the congestion, expected to lead to a significant increase in passenger air transport.

 

The ONDA has announced the selection of an engineering consultancy firm to oversee the major project for expanding Marrakesh’s Menara Airport. 

 

Soon, a call for tenders will be launched to select the contractor tasked with executing this project, which will include restructuring the functional organization of existing terminals.

 

Expansion works will extend beyond Terminals 1 and 2, with the aim of increasing the facilities’ capacity to accommodate future increases in departing passenger air traffic. 

 

This will involve enlarging the terminal structures and doubling the access roads leading to the runway to ensure smoother alignment procedures.

 

Additionally, provisions will be made for aircraft storage before takeoff, along with expanding the aircraft parking area to accommodate 40 remote stands for medium-sized aircraft arrivals, according to the same source.

 

According to SNRT, efforts to alleviate pressure on Menara International Airport initially included plans for constructing a new airport outside the “Red City” in the Sidi Zouine area. 

 

However, the project idea was abandoned due to the site’s distance from the city, leading to a decision to focus solely on expanding most of the current airport facilities instead.

 

Passenger air transport at Marrakesh Menara Airport saw an exceptional surge during the first three months of 2024, with a remarkable growth of 22% compared to the same period in 2023. 

 

This increase follows a notable trend, as air traffic witnessed a 41% growth in 2023 compared to 2022 and an 8% increase compared to the record-breaking year of 2019.

 

This month, Marrakesh, witnessed an unexpected surge in tourist arrivals, placing immense strain on the airport infrastructure of the country’s tourism hub. 

 

Despite confirmed plans by ONDA to extend the terminal, these expansions have yet to materialize, leaving the airport struggling to cope with the influx of visitors.