Casablanca Airport's Gradual Ascent: Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels with a 28% Surge

In 2023, North Africa's aviation sector witnessed an encouraging rebound as passenger traffic exceeded pre-pandemic figures, with Moroccan airports playing a pivotal role in this resurgence. Despite significant strides, Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) has yet to fully regain its pre-2019 momentum.

A Closer Look at 2023's Performance

Moroccan airports collectively welcomed 27.1 million passengers in 2023, marking a remarkable 32% growth from the previous year, as reported by the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA). This upsurge was primarily fueled by a 32% rise in international travel, culminating in 24.4 million passengers. National travel also saw a 10% increase, reaching 2.6 million.

Mohammed V International Airport stood out, accounting for over one-third of national traffic with 9.8 million passengers, a 28% increase from 2022. However, it's operating at 95% of its 2019 capacity, aiming for a full recovery by 2024. In December 2023 alone, CMN experienced a 3% growth, handling 816,954 passengers.

Regional Airports: A Story of Robust Growth

Morocco's other major airports also saw substantial growth. Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) recorded a 41% increase, with 6.9 million passengers. Agadir Al Massira Airport (AGA) handled 2.3 million passengers, marking a 30% year-on-year rise. Tangier, Fes, Rabat, and Nador airports all experienced over 20% growth, with Nador El Aroui Airport surpassing the 1 million passenger mark for the first time.

International Connectivity: Europe Leads the Way

Internationally, Morocco's traffic surge is aligned with government efforts to boost inbound tourism. African routes recorded the highest growth, yet over 82% of international passengers originated from Europe, a trend bolstered by Ryanair's leading position. New connections from cities like Bilbao, Luxembourg, Warsaw, and Frankfurt further enhanced European connectivity.

Looking Ahead

While CMN is on the brink of complete recovery, the overall growth trajectory of Moroccan airports signifies a robust comeback. The focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum and exploring new opportunities for expansion, particularly in European markets, as airlines like Ryanair plan further forays into Morocco.