Tunisia Plans $1B Expansion to Quadruple Tunis-Carthage Airport Capacity

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and official data from the Tunisian Transport Ministry.

Tunisia Launches $1 Billion Expansion to Quadruple Tunis-Carthage Airports Capacity

Tunisia has officially unveiled a massive infrastructure initiative designed to modernize its primary aviation gateway, the Tunis-Carthage International Airport. According to reporting by Reuters on March 8, 2026, the government plans to invest approximately 3 billion Tunisian dinars ($1 billion) to expand the facility, aiming to nearly quadruple its passenger capacity by the start of the next decade.

The project represents a significant shift in national aviation Strategy, moving away from previous proposals to construct an entirely new airport in favor of optimizing the existing hub. As detailed in official announcements from the Tunisian Transport Ministry, the expansion is a direct response to record-breaking tourism numbers and the urgent need to relieve congestion at a facility that is currently operating well beyond its design limits.

Project Scope: Reaching 18.5 Million Passengers

The core objective of the 3 billion dinar Investments is to raise the airport’s annual capacity from its current baseline of 5 million passengers to 18.5 million by 2031. Data released by the Tunisian Civil Aviation and Airports Authority (OACA) outlines a multi-pronged approach to achieving this growth.

Terminal Infrastructure Upgrades

The expansion plan relies on both new construction and the rehabilitation of existing structures. According to project details cited in recent research reports, the capacity breakdown includes:

• New Terminal Construction: A new facility designed to handle 11 million passengers annually.
• Main Terminal Reconfiguration: The existing terminal will undergo significant modernization to accommodate 7 million passengers per year.
• Terminal 2 Retention: The smaller terminal, primarily used for charter flights, will be maintained with a capacity of 500,000 passengers.

New Metro Connectivity

Beyond the runway and terminals, the project addresses the critical issue of ground transport. The plan includes the construction of an elevated metro line linking the airport directly to central Tunis. This addition aims to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that currently plagues the routes leading to the capital, offering travelers a reliable alternative to road transport.

Economic Context: The Tourism Boom

The urgency of this expansion is driven by a robust recovery in Tunisia’s tourism sector. According to industry data, the country welcomed over 11 million international visitors in 2025, a historic threshold that generated record revenues of $2.7 billion. This surge has placed immense strain on Tunis-Carthage, which handled 7.24 million passengers in 2024, significantly higher than its official capacity of 5 million.

The infrastructure upgrade also aligns with the country’s broader strategic goals. Tunisia is preparing to host the title of “Arab Tourism Capital 2027,” and authorities are keen to present a modernized entry point that reflects the nation’s blend of history and urban development.

Aviation Policy and Strategic Control

While the physical infrastructure is being opened up, the regulatory environment remains protective. In February 2026, the Tunisian government confirmed it would not adopt a full “open skies” policy with the European Union. This decision is intended to shield the state-owned carrier, Tunisair, from unrestricted foreign competition during its recovery phase.

Tunisia plans to expand its main Tunis-Carthage airport… aiming to nearly quadruple passenger capacity as part of efforts to modernise air transport infrastructure.

— Reuters

Instead of open skies, the government is pursuing “controlled expansion” through bilateral agreements and domestic upgrades. This ensures that while the airport can handle more traffic, the national carrier retains a protected status within its primary hub.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to expand Tunis-Carthage rather than build a greenfield airport represents a pragmatic pivot by the Tunisian government. Building a new airport often involves massive land acquisition costs, environmental hurdles, and longer timelines. By upgrading the existing site, Tunisia can leverage current assets and location advantages, the airport is only 8 kilometers from downtown Tunis.

However, this approach carries operational risks. Construction on an active airfield that is already operating at 145% of its capacity will require precise logistical management to avoid crippling delays for passengers. The inclusion of the metro link is a crucial differentiator; without it, quadrupling passenger throughput would likely result in gridlock on the surrounding road network, negating the efficiency gains inside the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Tunis-Carthage expansion?
The project is estimated to cost 3 billion Tunisian dinars, which is approximately $1 billion USD.

When will the expansion be completed?
The target date for reaching the full capacity of 18.5 million passengers is 2031.

Will there be a new airport built instead?
No. The government has officially abandoned plans for a new airport in favor of expanding and modernizing the current Tunis-Carthage site.

How will passengers get to the city?
The plan includes the construction of a new elevated metro line connecting the airport directly to the city center to reduce traffic congestion.

Sources

• Reuters