Morocco Positions Itself As Aviation Hub At 2026 ICAO GISS Forum

Casablanca – The fifth edition of the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (ICAO-GISS) opened today in Marrakech, drawing more than 1,500 participants from over 130 countries as Morocco doubles down on its ambition to become a leading aviation hub for Africa and beyond.

Held from April 14 to 16 under the theme “Regional Solutions, Global Benefits,” the event is organized by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh opened the symposium alongside ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma, with around 40 foreign ministers in charge of civil aviation, senior regulators from more than 80 countries, ICAO officials and major aerospace players also in attendance.

In his opening remarks, Kayouh said Morocco is keeping pace with the rapid growth in global air transport by strengthening both regional and international connectivity.

The country is now connected to more than 170 direct international destinations through 18 international airports that meet global standards, reinforcing its position as a gateway linking Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Read more: Royal Air Maroc Receives New Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

This broader strategy is already visible in recent moves across the sector, with Royal Air Maroc’s (RAM) expansion drive. After outlining a long-term plan to grow its fleet to nearly 200 aircraft by 2037, the airline received a new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner last Sunday at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport, taking its fleet to a record 65 aircraft.

More deliveries are expected before year-end, with the fleet projected to reach 74 aircraft in 2026 and 88 by 2027, as Morocco prepares for rising tourism demand and the 2030 World Cup.

Kayouh also pointed to ongoing digital upgrades across the airport chain, including the rollout of Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR)  passenger data systems to speed up checks, improve risk analysis and make border procedures more efficient.

The minister also said Morocco has reached an 87% compliance rate under ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme, which he said reflects the strength of the country’s aviation governance framework.

Over the next two days, the symposium will host seven thematic panels on connectivity, airport infrastructure, aviation finance, safety, talent and sustainability.

Several cooperation agreements were also signed on the sidelines, while the opening day featured an aerial display by the Royal Air Force’s Marche Verte squadron and the launch of an innovation exhibition.

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