Morocco's airports have seen a significant surge in air traffic, with 22.3 million passengers passing through in the first seven months of 2026. This represents an 8.8% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth is attributed to a rise in both international and national air traffic, which increased by 8.8% and 8.4%, respectively. The Moroccan airports' growth is a positive sign for the country's tourism industry.
The increase in air traffic is largely driven by a rise in passengers from various regions. The number of passengers from Europe increased by 9.3%, while those from Africa, the Americas, and the Maghreb region rose by 13.7%, 16.2%, and 10.1%, respectively. This growth is a testament to Morocco's improving air connectivity and its appeal as a tourist destination.
In addition to the growth in passenger traffic, Morocco's air freight sector also experienced significant growth. The volume of air freight increased by 12.6% in the first seven months of 2026. This growth is likely driven by the country's strategic location and its role as a major trade hub in the region.
The growth in air traffic is not limited to airports, as Morocco's ports also saw an increase in commercial traffic. The total volume of commercial traffic in the country's ports reached 134.9 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, representing a 3.8% increase from the same period last year. The growth is driven by a rise in transshipment and imports.
The growth in port traffic is largely driven by a rise in transshipment and imports. Transshipment increased by 7.7%, while imports rose by 2.7%. However, the traffic of passengers in ports remained relatively stable, with over 1.6 million passengers passing through.
Despite the stability in passenger traffic, the cruise sector experienced growth. The number of cruise passengers increased by 2.4% to 174,366 in the first half of 2026. This growth is a positive sign for Morocco's tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to the country's economy.
The growth in air and port traffic is a positive indicator for Morocco's economy. The country's tourism industry is expected to continue growing, driven by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and improving air connectivity. The authorities are likely to focus on further developing the country's airport and port infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of passengers and cargo.
Key points
- Morocco's airports welcomed 22.3 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026, an 8.8% increase from the previous year.
- The country's air freight sector experienced significant growth, with a 12.6% increase in volume.
- Morocco's ports saw a 3.8% increase in commercial traffic, driven by a rise in transshipment and imports.
