The Office National des Aeroports (ONDA) has relaunched a tender for the engineering and technical assistance mission for the new terminal area at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport, valued at 144 million dirhams. This service contract supports a project with a total estimated cost of 15 billion dirhams. The construction of the terminal itself was awarded to the SGTM-TGCC consortium for 12.8 billion dirhams.
The engineering mission encompasses detailed design, technical control, and assistance to the project owner during the construction phase, a crucial role in a large-scale project where interfaces between lots dictate adherence to the schedule. The timeline is critical, with the new terminal required to be operational before the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, and for which Casablanca Airport will serve as the primary gateway.
The planned capacity expansion aims to elevate the airport's capability to handle anticipated traffic flows, as the current facility already operates beyond its nominal capacity during peak hours. The project's scope includes upgrading infrastructure to accommodate increased passenger and cargo traffic.
However, the relaunch of the tender process raises questions about the project's timeline. An initial call for tenders for the same mission was issued in June, and restarting the process consumes weeks from an already tight schedule. ONDA is also conducting a nationwide airport network expansion program, with ongoing projects in Marrakech, Tanger, Agadir, Fès, and Rabat.
In parallel, ONDA has initiated procedures to meet the standards set by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) for the 2030 World Cup. Morocco's air traffic has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the launch of new routes and a tourism sector that has flourished, reaching 14.1 million arrivals in the first eight months of the year.
The Casablanca Mohammed V Airport serves as a critical hub for Morocco's air transport network, and its expansion is vital to enhancing the country's capacity to handle large-scale international events like the World Cup. The project's progress will be closely watched by stakeholders in the aviation and tourism sectors.
ONDA's efforts to upgrade airport infrastructure nationwide reflect the Moroccan government's strategy to boost tourism and air connectivity. The successful completion of these projects is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and its standing as a major tourist and business destination in Africa.
Key points
- The new terminal at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport must be operational before the 2030 World Cup.
- The engineering and technical assistance mission for the terminal is valued at 144 million dirhams.
- Morocco's tourism sector has seen significant growth, with 14.1 million arrivals in the first eight months of the year.
