Rabat – Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) has announced plans for the expansion of the Marrakech-Menara Airport and the construction of a new passenger terminal and control tower at the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport.
ONDA recently issued a call for bids to undertake architectural studies and oversee construction for the expansion projects.
With a combined budget of MAD 1.65 billion ($165.3 million), these projects reflect the country’s commitment to modernize and enhance the country’s airport infrastructure, catering to the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Marrakech-Menara Airport
The project aims to equip the Marrakech airport with the necessary infrastructure and technical facilities. The passenger terminal will see a substantial expansion to approximately 120,000 square meters.
This will include the airport’s basement, covering 16,000 square meters. It will house the baggage sorting system, air conditioning facilities, and baggage support areas.
Meanwhile, the ground floor, spanning 55,200 square meters, will undergo an extension of 3,200 square meters.
This floor will include departure and arrival halls, check-in counters, airline and subcontractor offices, ground support offices, international and domestic departure immigration and emigration controls, international departure lounges, health checks, baggage delivery, and customs controls.
With an area of 20,650 square meters, including 9,150 square meters for extensions, the first floor will feature a disembarkation gallery and technical spaces.
Meanwhile, the second floor, which encompasses 28,850 square meters, including an 11,350-square-meter extension, will include international departure lounges and commercial areas.
A budget of MAD 850 million ($85.1million) is allocated for this project, covering the passenger terminal and external improvements, including roads, vehicle parking, and drop-off zones.
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport
Meanwhile, ONDA’s project for the Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport seeks to provide the airport with the necessary infrastructure and technical facilities to ensure the smooth operation of aviation activities on-site.
This call for bids pertains to the construction of a passenger terminal covering around 55,000 square meters. This space will feature a public hall with reception, circulation, waiting areas, service facilities, and a ticket retrieval area for departing passengers.
It will also include a border police control area for entry to the public hall, passenger and baggage check-in counters, as well as queue areas.
The project encompasses a range of additional facilities, including border police control at arrivals and departures, post-inspection filtration posts, a disembarkation area, an embarkation area, a baggage delivery area, a baggage sorting area, and a customs control area on arrival, along with a sheltered baggage delivery area.
Read also: Morocco to Invest $368 Million in Its Airports in 2023
The airport will also undergo external improvements, including city-side and runway-side esplanades, passenger waiting shelters, a 2,300-vehicle capacity car park, rental car facilities, official circuits, green spaces, a drop-off area, and parking areas reserved for buses and taxis.
The control tower, including the vigie ceiling, will reach a height of 33 meters, eight stories above the ground floor.
The estimated budget for this project stands at MAD 800 million ($80.1 million), covering the passenger terminal, control tower, and external improvements.
These developments reflect Morocco’s investment in its airport infrastructure, ultimately enhancing its capacity and services for both domestic and international travelers.
