Tunisian Ministry of Transport Announces Major Expansion of Tunis‑Carthage International Airport
The Ministry of Transport has officially abandoned the plan for a brand‑new airport and will instead focus on a large‑scale expansion of Tunis‑Carthage International Airport.
Key Objectives
- Increase annual passenger capacity from the current 5 million to 18.5 million by 2031.
- Ensure the airport can continue operating beyond 2050.
Investment Details
- The project is included in the 2026 investment budget of the Civil Aviation and Airports Authority.
- Estimated cost: 3 billion Tunisian dinars.
Main Works Planned
| Component | Description | Capacity Target |
|---|---|---|
| New terminal | Construction and equipment of a brand‑new terminal designed for 11 million passengers per year. | 11 M pax/yr |
| Existing terminal upgrade | Partial rehabilitation and extension to raise its capacity to 7 million passengers per year. | 7 M pax/yr |
| Control tower & technical building | New air‑traffic control tower and a dedicated technical facility. | — |
| Fire‑fighting unit | Dedicated fire‑fighting station to meet international safety standards. | — |
| Honor rooms & police station | New VIP lounges and a modern police commissariat. | — |
| VIP aerodrome | Small dedicated aerodrome for the reception of high‑profile personalities. | — |
| Power & water infrastructure | New power plant, plus a pumping and water‑storage station to cover the increased demand. | — |
| Aircraft parking | Partial expansion and re‑layout of aircraft parking areas, including rehabilitation of the apron adjacent to the current terminal. | — |
Future Outlook
- The ministry is examining the possibility of re‑activating Enfidha‑Hammamet Airport after its concession expires in 2047.
- A high‑speed rail link (TGV) could connect Enfidha‑Hammamet with Tunis‑Carthage, further boosting overall capacity and preparing the country for air traffic growth in the coming decades.
This expansion positions Tunis‑Carthage International Airport to become a major hub in the Mediterranean region, supporting tourism, trade, and economic development well into the mid‑21st century.
