Rabat – A wave of criticism has emerged following chaotic scenes at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
The lack of airport security scanners, which were removed in order to shorten queues at the entrances, has now created a new problem – more people are entering the airport without proper crowd management.
Videos circulating online show long lines and crowded areas inside the airport, with passengers and their families forced to navigate through a disorganized and uncomfortable environment.
The situation escalated due to the absence of designated waiting areas and a lack of a clear flow for passengers.
This sudden change has left many travelers frustrated, especially as they struggle to find their way through the terminal to await arrivals.
Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) had recently removed security scanners and metal detectors from the entrances of Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, as well as MarrakechMenara Airport, aiming to alleviate the long queues that have become a persistent problem at both locations.
This initiative is part of their broader “Airports 2030” modernization plan, which is part of Morocco’s larger efforts to make sure that its transportation infrastructure is up-to-par before major events such as the AFCON and FIFA World Cup 2030.
In a statement, ONDA explained that the decision to relocate inspection devices was made to expedite the entry process, aiming to reduce delays and improve the overall experience for travelers. “This measure will allow passengers to access various airport entry points more quickly, streamlining the boarding process,” ONDA announced in March.
However, the immediate aftermath of the change has sparked chaos. Without proper crowd management, the airport’s terminals became overcrowded, with people struggling to navigate the spaces and bottlenecking.
ONDA has assured that extra human resources and equipment were deployed to manage the situation, but Moroccans are calling for urgent improvements before the world comes to the country.
With Morocco’s busiest airport facing rising criticism, there are growing calls for airport authorities to reassess the changes to ensure smoother, more organized operations for travelers and their families in the future.
The lack of airport security scanners, which were removed in order to shorten queues at the entrances, has now created a new problem – more people are entering the airport without proper crowd management.
Videos circulating online show long lines and crowded areas inside the airport, with passengers and their families forced to navigate through a disorganized and uncomfortable environment.
The situation escalated due to the absence of designated waiting areas and a lack of a clear flow for passengers.
This sudden change has left many travelers frustrated, especially as they struggle to find their way through the terminal to await arrivals.
Morocco’s National Airports Office (ONDA) had recently removed security scanners and metal detectors from the entrances of Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, as well as MarrakechMenara Airport, aiming to alleviate the long queues that have become a persistent problem at both locations.
This initiative is part of their broader “Airports 2030” modernization plan, which is part of Morocco’s larger efforts to make sure that its transportation infrastructure is up-to-par before major events such as the AFCON and FIFA World Cup 2030.
In a statement, ONDA explained that the decision to relocate inspection devices was made to expedite the entry process, aiming to reduce delays and improve the overall experience for travelers. “This measure will allow passengers to access various airport entry points more quickly, streamlining the boarding process,” ONDA announced in March.
However, the immediate aftermath of the change has sparked chaos. Without proper crowd management, the airport’s terminals became overcrowded, with people struggling to navigate the spaces and bottlenecking.
ONDA has assured that extra human resources and equipment were deployed to manage the situation, but Moroccans are calling for urgent improvements before the world comes to the country.
With Morocco’s busiest airport facing rising criticism, there are growing calls for airport authorities to reassess the changes to ensure smoother, more organized operations for travelers and their families in the future.
