Tunisia plans to significantly expand its main international airport, aiming to quadruple its passenger handling capacity as the country seeks to boost tourism and strengthen its air transport infrastructure.
The transport ministry said in a statement on Sunday that the project, estimated to cost about $1 billion, is part of a broader effort to modernize the country’s aviation sector.The expansion plan includes the construction of a new terminal covering roughly 80,000 square metres.
The facility is expected to increase the number of check in counters and security lanes, allowing the airport to process far more passengers than it currently handles.
Tunisia’s tourism industry has recovered strongly after the downturn caused by the Covid 19 pandemic. In 2024 alone, the airport recorded about 7.2 million passengers, reflecting renewed travel demand to the North African country.
Earlier proposals had considered building an entirely new airport, but authorities have now opted to expand the existing facility. The transport ministry did not specify how the project will be financed.
The expansion plans come as Tunisia continues to grapple with economic challenges, including high public debt and rising inflation in recent years.