Morocco’s Airports Achieve Record 36.3 Million Passengers, Driven by CAN 2025 and Expansion Plans
Morocco’s airport network has soared to new heights in 2025, welcoming an unprecedented 36.3 million passengers over the year—an all-time record that cements the country’s status as a premier aviation hub in Africa. This surge, fuelled by double-digit growth and the operational impact of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025, reflects both the robust rebound in travel demand and the early momentum of Morocco’s ambitious “Airports 2030” strategy.
The effect of CAN 2025 was particularly pronounced at Morocco’s principal hubs, where traffic spikes were recorded as fans, teams, and officials from across the continent converged for the tournament. This event showcased the country’s logistical capabilities and the readiness of its airports to handle major international flows—an encouraging sign ahead of the even larger 2023 FIFA World Cup, for which Morocco is already laying the groundwork.
Airport authorities and government stakeholders have highlighted that these results stem from a coordinated approach to infrastructure investment and capacity building. The “Airports 2030” strategy, which underpins Morocco’s aviation roadmap, has already seen the launch of major expansion projects to increase terminal capacity, upgrade security and passenger amenities, and modernize operational systems. These efforts are designed not only to accommodate surging demand from sporting and cultural events, but also to position Morocco as a strategic gateway linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
For the African travel sector, Morocco’s record-breaking figures underscore the growing importance of air connectivity in driving tourism and economic development. The country’s airport network is increasingly seen as a benchmark for the continent, demonstrating how targeted investment and international event hosting can unlock new levels of performance and visibility. The ripple effect benefits a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders—from airlines and ground handlers to hotels, tour operators, and local suppliers—who all gain from the increased passenger flows and global profile.
As Morocco accelerates its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the focus will remain on expanding airport infrastructure, streamlining passenger processing, and enhancing the overall travel experience. The Airports 2030 initiative aims to deliver not just more capacity, but also higher standards of service, sustainability, and digital innovation. These priorities are expected to attract further airline partnerships and open up new route possibilities, reinforcing Morocco’s role as a linchpin in Africa’s rapidly evolving aviation landscape.
For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco’s latest achievement offers both inspiration and a call to action. As competition for international events intensifies and travelers seek seamless, high-quality journeys, the lessons from Morocco’s airport success are clear: strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and bold ambitions can transform a national network into a continent-wide leader.
