Digitalization offers unprecedented opportunities to optimize the travel experience, from check-in to boarding, while enabling smarter management of passenger and cargo flows. Facing these challenges, Morocco is resolutely engaging in this path, with an ambitious modernization project that could redefine aviation standards in Africa.
The Kingdom of Morocco is taking a decisive step towards the future by initiating a vast digitalization project for its airport infrastructure. The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Mohamed Abdeljalil, recently revealed that the National Airports Office (ONDA) plans to fully digitalize the passenger journey at Rabat-Salé airport, with the aim of making the process more fluid, faster, and more efficient. This pilot project, which will then be extended to Mohammed V airport in Casablanca, is part of the strategic program “Takeoff 2025”.
An Ambitious Project to Modernize Moroccan Airports
In a written response to Rachid Hamouni, president of the Progress and Socialism group in the House of Representatives, Minister Abdeljalil specified that digitalization is part of a broader initiative aimed at transforming the country’s airports. This project aims not only to improve the passenger journey but also to optimize the management of airport operations and internal infrastructure management methods. The work on the new terminal at Rabat-Salé airport, where this pilot project will be deployed, is expected to be completed by 2025.
The “Takeoff 2025” program thus aims to modernize services and strengthen the efficiency of Moroccan airports. To carry out this project, ONDA has allocated significant financial resources and created a dedicated team within its new specialized unit, “Digital Factory”, responsible for implementing digital solutions. The objective is to optimize the traveler experience while strengthening coordination between various airport actors, such as security, airlines, and logistics services.
Smart Gates and Digital Transformation
One of the key elements of this transformation is the introduction of smart Egate portals, which will soon be available at the airports of Casablanca and Marrakech. These gates will allow passengers to pass through security checks more quickly by simply scanning their boarding pass after checking in their luggage. Once this system is in place, travelers will be able to access the boarding area directly, reducing queues and delays while increasing the fluidity of operations.
The new Rabat-Salé terminal will serve as a model for digitalization in other airports of the kingdom. Morocco plans to extend this digitalization process to several airports, as part of its desire to align its airport infrastructure with the most advanced international standards. This modernization also aims to improve the governance and performance of ONDA’s administrative units, thereby strengthening the transparency and efficiency of operations.
A Future Focused on Technological Innovation
This comprehensive digitalization project is a strong signal from Morocco in its quest to modernize its infrastructure and strengthen its attractiveness as a regional air hub. By adopting innovative technologies and investing in digital transformation, the country seeks to offer a high-quality travel experience, combining safety and comfort, while preparing for continued growth in air traffic.
With initiatives like “Takeoff 2025”, Morocco is highlighting its commitment to position itself among African leaders in modern and efficient airport services. The integration of digital solutions in airports promises to improve the traveler experience while making the country’s airport system more competitive on an international scale.
This ambitious project demonstrates the Kingdom’s determination to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in the transport sector and to offer world-class infrastructure to its citizens and visitors.
