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Morocco presented its progress and ambitions in civil aviation on Saturday during the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, with Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh outlining the country’s growing role as a global air hub.
Speaking on behalf of Morocco, Kayouh said the North African country, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, has made civil aviation a national priority through policies centered on market liberalization, investment incentives, and enhanced competitiveness.
These measures, he explained, have already resulted in more than 100 air transport agreements, including landmark “Open Sky” deals with the United States in 2001 and the European Union in 2006. Morocco has also joined the Single African Air Transport Market, reflecting its dedication to regional integration and inter-African connectivity.
This policy, the minister said, has helped consolidate Morocco’s position as Africa’s leading tourist destination, with 17.4 million visitors recorded in 2024.
International air traffic continues to climb, surpassing 18 million passengers in the first seven months of 2025, supported by a network of 435 international routes linking Morocco to 159 airports across 59 countries.
Domestically, the country has expanded air connections between its regions, energizing the internal air transport market and broadening service options.
Kayouh stressed that aviation safety remains central to Morocco’s priorities. The country achieved an 87% compliance rate during ICAO’s 2024 coordinated validation mission, aligning national legislation with global standards.
Civil aviation security has also been reinforced through upgraded inspection systems and improved cybersecurity. In April, Marrakech hosted the international “Safer Skies” forum, which brought together the ICAO Council president and leading international experts to discuss new approaches to aviation safety.
Looking ahead, Kayouh pointed to Morocco’s broader strategic roadmap, including the 2023-2026 tourism plan and preparations for major international events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
To accommodate rising demand, Morocco is carrying out the “Airports 2030” strategy, which aims to double passenger capacity from nearly 40 million today to 80 million by 2030. Several airports are undergoing modernization and expansion as part of this ambitious program.
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is also scaling up. The national carrier has adopted an ambitious development plan to expand its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037 while maintaining the highest safety and sustainability standards.
Morocco’s participation in ICAO’s Assembly – which runs through October 3 and gathers 193 member states and numerous international organizations every three years – demonstrates the country’s determination to promote sustainable growth and strengthen global cooperation in civil aviation.
Morocco signs agreements with Niger, Rwanda, and ICAO
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Morocco signed two landmark agreements. The first was a management services agreement with ICAO to expand cooperation in civil aviation safety and security.
Signed by Minister Kayouh and ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar in the presence of ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, the accord sets out new frameworks for training and technical assistance.
“The upcoming ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium in Marrakech in April 2026 will mark the history of ICAO’s cooperation with Morocco,” Salazar said, describing the event as a major opportunity to advance global aviation standards. Sciacchitano added that the Marrakech symposium holds “great importance” for the future of international civil aviation.
Kayouh welcomed ICAO’s support, stressing Morocco’s commitment to upgrading its airport infrastructure, adopting the strictest international safety standards, and reinforcing the national airline’s growth.
During the session, ICAO’s Council president presented him with a certificate recognizing Morocco’s progress in establishing an effective aviation safety oversight system and improving the implementation of ICAO standards and recommended practices.
The second agreement, a memorandum of understanding with Niger, was signed at ICAO headquarters in Montreal by Kayouh and Niger’s Transport Minister Amadou Abdourahamane, with Morocco’s ambassador to Canada, Souriya Otmani, in attendance.
The accord establishes a framework for technical cooperation between Morocco’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Niger’s National Civil Aviation Agency, with a focus on aviation safety, training programs, and knowledge exchange.
Kayouh said the deal “will allow both countries to deepen cooperation in the air transport sector,” adding that Morocco is ready to welcome Nigerien pilots for training. He underlined that the accord also supports the growth of Royal Air Maroc and Niger’s national carrier, reflecting both countries’ shared ambition to reinforce Africa’s presence in global aviation.
In addition, Morocco and Rwanda signed an air services agreement in Montreal, represented by Kayouh and Rwanda’s ambassador to Canada, Prosper Higiro. The deal aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in international air transport and expand opportunities for collaboration in aviation safety and training.
Kayouh noted that the agreement reflects King Mohammed VI’s vision of linking Morocco to African countries through new air routes. He highlighted that Royal Air Maroc currently serves 27 African countries with nearly 600 weekly flights – a foundation that will be further reinforced through this new partnership.
For his part, Kigali’s ambassador praised the agreement as a testament to the “excellent relations between Morocco and Rwanda,” stressing that it will help both countries develop their aviation sectors and open fresh prospects for cooperation in civil aviation.
Beyond these agreements, Morocco’s delegation has held a series of bilateral meetings during the Assembly, aimed at strengthening the country’s role in the international civil aviation system and promoting its candidacy for ICAO’s Council.
MWN with MAP
