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ONDA will accompany the positive evolution of air traffic and the major events that the Kingdom will host, in particular the 2030 World Cup, placing its main airports at the heart of Morocco’s future development.

Adel El Fakir who succeeded Habiba Laklalech on June 1, is currently taking stock of the situation and growth perspectives. His added-value is much awaited by the sector as he has been a leading figure in the tourism landscape.

In 2023, ONDA recorded significant progress particularly in air traffic, modernisation of airport infrastructure and optimisation of resource management processes which entailed better services.

The number of passengers exceeded initial forecasts, testifying to the attractiveness of the Moroccan destination. Traffic at Marrakech, Agadir and Tangier increased by 29 per cent, 26 per cent, and 16 per cent respectively. ONDA is expecting 31 million passengers in 2024, 14 per cent more compared with 2023.

In parallel, ONDA is doing its utmost to enable Morocco to welcome visitors during the 2030 World Cup. Extension work will start soon at Marrakech, Agadir and Tangier airports. Architectural surveys are completed.

ONDA is tackling capacity constraints through a holistic and integrated approach.

A new transit area was inaugurated on June 10 at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport to consolidate its position as a hub. The central zone project, including a new security screening area on arrival in 2023, is now completed. A survey, commissioned by the Spanish firm INECO, is currently being carried out to increase the capacity of Casablanca Airport from 16 million to approximately 36 million passengers. Recommendations for structural adjustments are expected by March 2025.

A new terminal will be operational in 2025 at Rabat-Salé Airport, with an additional capacity of four million passengers. This terminal will be the first in Morocco to offer a "touchless" passenger journey.

Tetouan Airport will also have a new terminal with an annual capacity of about one million passengers. A new runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft is in service since last year.

The extension of Fez Airport will be defined according to the airport master plan currently being carried out by the supervisory authority (DGAC).

Furthermore, ONDA has deployed Lean Six Sigma at Casablanca, Fez, Oujda and Nador airports to optimise resource management processes and better manage passenger flows. It is currently being deployed at Marrakech Airport.

Twenty two airports have also adopted the multiplatform airport operations system called "SOAM", allowing stakeholders of the passenger value chain to have real-time information to improve coordination between the different airport services.

ONDA is continuously diversifying airport services to enhance the passenger experience. A new online taxi booking service, "We taxi", is now available at Casablanca Airport after the successful implementation of "Kech.cab" at Marrakech Airport. Casablanca Airport also offers an automated baggage trolley delivery.

Agadir, Casablanca, Fez, Nador, Oujda, Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier airports have been awarded the ACI "airport customer experience accredited" certification.

Casablanca Airport has been distinguished for the second consecutive year as the best airport in Africa in its category following ACI’s ASQ surveys.

For the first time, Marrakech Airport has been awarded best airport in Africa in its category in terms of connectivity and cleanliness. Both airports were also in the Top 10 best African airports in the Skytrax ranking.

ONDA has also launched major projects in the field of air navigation, training and human capital to encourage a corporate culture of merit and excellence. Cybersecurity has also been reinforced to ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information, as well as compliance with legal and regulatory provisions. ONDA has also strengthened its eco-responsible CSR approach, especially its support to local communities.

Today, 16 airports managed by ONDA are ICAO certified, double that of previous years.

Adel El Fakir and his team will undoubtedly focus on improving passenger experience, enhancing safety and security, and increasing capacity to support the growth in air traffic and the Kingdom’s economic development.