Innovative Airport Transformation Showcased at Marrakech Airshow 2026
On October 11, 2026, the Marrakech Airshow served as a significant platform for the National Airports Office (ONDA) to unveil a unique exhibit that highlights the evolution of airport identity, infrastructure projects, and the rich history of Moroccan aviation. Under the banner of Airports of Morocco, ONDA presented a compelling narrative that aligns with its strategic vision known as "Airports 2030," which aims to modernize the country's airport facilities and services.
The stand was meticulously designed to guide visitors through a curated journey, beginning with the historical backdrop of Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, leading to models of ambitious future expansions. This immersive experience was further enriched by informative panels that detailed various operational aspects such as the airport network, air navigation, staff roles, and passenger services, thereby providing a holistic understanding of ONDA's multifaceted operations.
Future Prospects and Infrastructure Development
The central theme of the exhibition was the transition to the Airports of Morocco brand, a concept first introduced in July 2025. This branding is a reflection of ONDA's transformation rather than a new initiative launched at the airshow. A notable feature of the exhibit was the slogan "new identity, same DNA," which encapsulates the essence of the brand's continuity. The logo, inspired by traditional Moroccan zellige and the four cardinal directions, combines the sky's blue with the earthy ochre tones of Morocco, reinforcing the commitment to enhance the brand's visibility while preserving its institutional heritage.
The models presented at the stand illustrated the ambitious plans for the Mohammed V Airport, which aims to accommodate 35 million passengers annually, featuring a terminal spanning 600,000 square meters, a new 3,500-meter runway, and an upgraded control tower. The projected investment for this extensive project is approximately 15 billion dirhams, with an expected completion date of 2029. Additionally, a high-speed rail connection to Tangier and Marrakech is planned, emphasizing the importance of intermodal transport in developing Morocco's primary airport hub.
Other airports, such as Marrakech-Menara, Tanger-Ibn Battouta, and Agadir-Al Massira, were also highlighted, each targeting passenger capacities of 16 million and 7 million, respectively, with completion dates set for 2028. Fès-Saïss aims for a target of 5 million passengers by 2029, while Tétouan-Saniat R’mel is expected to reach 1 million by 2028. Furthermore, Rabat-Salé is set to unveil a new terminal of 71,000 square meters, increasing its capacity to 7 million passengers by 2026.
The exhibit also connected infrastructure expansion with enhanced passenger experiences, showcasing advancements such as electronic gates, self-service check-in kiosks, biometric identification systems termed "ONE ID," and autonomous baggage drop-off solutions. Real-time flow analysis and resource allocation strategies were emphasized as key components in adapting to passenger volume fluctuations.
Ultimately, ONDA's stand at the Marrakech Airshow 2026 positioned Airports of Morocco as not merely a logo change but as a unified identity that will guide the evolution of Morocco's airport network into the future.
As reported by aeronautique.ma.
