Transforming Casablanca into a Global Hub
A remarkable new terminal design for Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport has recently been revealed, showcasing Morocco’s vision to elevate the airport into a prominent intercontinental hub ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The design, created by the esteemed British architectural firm RSHP, seamlessly integrates large-scale infrastructure with a distinctly local architectural aesthetic, positioning Casablanca as a crucial gateway connecting Africa with Europe and beyond.
The National Office of Airports (ONDA) has committed to a substantial investment of 12 billion Dirhams (approximately $1.3 billion) for the construction of this new terminal, which will serve as the centerpiece of Morocco’s busiest airport. This investment aims to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity and operational efficiency, enabling it to better accommodate the increasing flow of passengers.
Innovative Design and Enhanced Passenger Experience
The terminal's design is envisioned as an “H-shaped” structure, featuring a central building flanked by two wings. This design strategy is intended to optimize passenger movement and aircraft operations, with an initial capacity projected to reach around 20 million passengers annually. As demand grows, there is potential for expansion to accommodate 30 million or more passengers. Overall, the expansion is expected to increase the airport’s total capacity to approximately 35 million passengers per year, more than doubling the current throughput of 11.5 million passengers anticipated for 2025.
RSHP’s architectural concept draws inspiration from Casablanca’s coastal environment and cultural heritage. The terminal is designed as a modular system that allows for rapid, component-based construction. Its sweeping rooflines reflect the movement of Atlantic waves, while the interior incorporates traditional Moroccan elements, such as an ochre-toned soffit adorned with a hexagonal motif, reminiscent of the intricate bejmat and terracotta zellige found in Moroccan architecture. The architects aim to create a progression of spaces within the terminal, transitioning from expansive, light-filled public areas to more intimate and calming zones, ensuring a passenger experience that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and hospitality.
Ivan Harbour, Senior Design Director at RSHP, expressed that the airport will celebrate light, warmth, and human scale, providing a memorable experience for travellers. The design features three main levels, integrating green “oasis” areas, natural light, and landscaped zones to foster a welcoming airport atmosphere that feels like a destination in its own right.
As part of Morocco’s “Airports 2030” strategy, this project aims to modernize infrastructure in response to rapid growth in tourism and aviation demand. Key infrastructure elements of the new terminal include enhanced accessibility through a high-speed rail link connecting Casablanca to key urban centers, thereby reducing travel times and improving connectivity for both domestic and international passengers.
Construction is being undertaken as a joint venture between Morocco’s two largest contractors, SGTM and TGCC. With the levelling and excavation work completed in July 2025, the terminal is scheduled to open by 2029, just before Morocco co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. The expansion of Mohammed V Airport, already one of Africa’s busiest hubs, is designed to reinforce its status as a vital intercontinental connector, facilitating enhanced linkages across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
In addition to boosting capacity, the RSHP design reflects a broader industry trend towards experience-led airport architecture, where passenger comfort, cultural identity, and seamless journeys are prioritized alongside operational efficiency. This project represents a significant advancement in Morocco’s evolving infrastructure, combining a major international airport with high-speed rail connectivity, further positioning Casablanca as a key gateway between Africa, Europe, and the wider world.
As reported by aerospaceglobalnews.com.
