IATA Welcomes Morocco’s ‘Airports 2030 Strategy’

Doha – Morocco’s aviation industry has taken off as a key pillar of the national economy, injecting $11.2 billion into the GDP and backing 856,000 jobs, according to a new report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The industry body has welcomed Morocco’s “Airports 2030 Strategy,” which aims to modernize infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a regional and global aviation hub.

“Given the critical and growing importance of aviation to Morocco’s economy, the launch of the ‘Airports 2030 Strategy’ will have a far-reaching and positive impact on Morocco’s economic and social development,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

According to IATA’s “Value of Air Transport to Morocco” report, aviation contributes 7.9% to the country’s economy and has experienced 68.1% growth over the past decade.

The report stresses that 93% of passengers departing from Moroccan airports in 2023—totaling 11.7 million people—were traveling to international destinations.

It shows Europe as Morocco’s largest international market, with approximately 10 million passengers (85% of total international traffic) departing for European destinations.

Paris tops the list of most popular city destinations, accounting for 2.02 million passengers or 17.3% of all international departures.

“It is no coincidence that the ‘Airports 2030 Strategy’ aligns with Morocco being a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Morocco will be on the world stage which is a great incentive to be ready to show off Morocco’s growing strength as an aviation hub linking Africa, Europe and North America,” Al-Awadhi noted.

IATA has proposed three key priorities for the Moroccan government to maximize benefits from investments in airport infrastructure:

First, ensuring cost-efficiency through fair and competitive charges, taxes, and fees to foster connectivity as the country upgrades its infrastructure.

The report underlines the importance of collaboration with users and compliance with global best practices to avoid unnecessary financial burdens.

Second, focusing on capacity-building by investing in human resources alongside infrastructure. IATA emphasizes that a skilled workforce is essential to support airport modernization and meet expected growth.

Third, implementing smart consumer regulation rather than importing ineffective legislation from Europe or the United States. IATA recommends developing passenger rights laws that reflect global best practices and industry standards.

The report also details Morocco’s connectivity metrics, noting that the country has 18 airports with commercial scheduled flights connecting to 54 countries through direct routes.

Since 2014, Morocco’s international air connectivity index has increased by 36% within Africa and by 63% with other regions.

Beyond economic contributions, the report outlines social benefits from aviation’s growth in Morocco. Flight costs have become more accessible, with average real airfares decreasing by 28% between 2011 and 2023. Locals now need to work approximately 15.8 days to afford a plane ticket.

Additionally, Morocco handled 77,900 tonnes of air cargo in 2023, positioning it as the 65th largest air cargo market globally and supporting the country’s import and export volumes.

The aviation sector directly employs 38,000 people in Morocco, generating $1.1 billion of economic output, equal to 0.8% of total GDP.

Airlines contribute $691.7 million to GDP while employing 11,800 people, whereas airports, air navigation service providers, and civil manufacturing add $453.7 million and employ 26,200 people.

Tourism supported by aviation makes the largest economic contribution, adding $8.5 billion to GDP and employing 681,600 people, with international tourists estimated to contribute $12.1 billion annually to the economy through local spending.