Tunisia’s Ministry of Transport Signals Possible State Take‑over of Enfidha‑Hammamet Airport in 2047
The Ministry of Transport announced that the Tunisian state may resume control of Enfidha‑Hammamet International Airport when its current concession expires in 2047. In the same statement, the ministry outlined a high‑speed rail connection linking the airport with Tunis‑Carthage International Airport, a move aimed at bolstering airport capacity amid rising global air‑traffic demand.
“The state could take back the airport at the end of the concession period, and a fast‑train link will be built to strengthen our aviation infrastructure,” the ministry wrote in response to a question from Deputy Helmi Bousma.
Key Facts About Enfidha‑Hammamet Airport
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | TAV Airports (under a BOT concession) |
| Concession value | Approx. €500 million |
| Opening date | December 2009 |
| Current capacity | 7 million passengers/year (expandable to 22 million) |
| Passenger traffic | 1.472 million in 2025; forecast 1.534 million in 2026 |
| Environmental credentials | Awarded Level 4 “Transformation” carbon accreditation by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2024 |
| Future projects | Planned high‑speed rail link to Tunis‑Carthage International Airport |
Concession Background
The airport was inaugurated under a Build‑Operate‑Transfer (BOT) model, granting TAV Airports a 38‑year concession that will end in 2047. The agreement, valued at roughly €500 million, gave the operator the right to develop, manage, and eventually hand back the facility to the state.
Traffic Recovery Post‑Pandemic
After a steep decline during the COVID‑19 pandemic, passenger numbers have rebounded strongly:
- 2025: 1.472 million passengers
- 2026 (forecast): 1.534 million passengers
These figures underline a steady upward trend that supports the need for expanded infrastructure, such as the proposed high‑speed rail corridor.
Eco‑Friendly Design
Enfidha‑Hammamet was conceived as a green airport. Its sustainability achievements include:
- Carbon accreditation Level 4 “Transformation” (2024) – the highest tier awarded by the International Airport Council for its carbon‑reduction initiatives.
- Energy‑efficient terminals, renewable‑energy installations, and waste‑reduction programs.
Why the High‑Speed Rail Link Matters
- Improved connectivity: Passengers can travel between the two major airports in under an hour, facilitating seamless transfers for international flights.
- Capacity relief: The rail line will help distribute traffic, reducing congestion at Tunis‑Carthage.
- Economic boost: Faster ground transport supports tourism, trade, and regional development.
Related News
Read also: Launch of two new bus lines between Tunis, Algiers and Annaba starting March 12
Keywords: Enfidha‑Hammamet Airport, Tunis‑Carthage, high‑speed rail, airport concession, passenger traffic, eco‑friendly airport, carbon accreditation, Tunisia transport infrastructure.
