By Joe Udo
TUNIS (CONVERSEER) – Tunisia has announced plans to significantly expand its main international airport in a project estimated to cost about $1 billion, as authorities seek to strengthen the country’s tourism-driven economy.
According to the country’s transport ministry, the proposed development will quadruple the airport’s passenger handling capacity as part of broader efforts to modernise national air transport infrastructure.
The expansion will focus on Tunis–Carthage International Airport, the country’s primary aviation hub serving the capital, Tunis.
Officials said the project will involve constructing a new passenger terminal covering approximately 80,000 square metres. The facility is expected to include additional check-in counters and security screening lanes to accommodate rising passenger traffic.
The ministry stated that the expansion forms part of a wider government strategy to upgrade airport facilities and support the recovery of Tunisia’s tourism sector, which was severely affected during the global pandemic.
Tourism has since rebounded strongly. In 2024, Tunis–Carthage International Airport handled around 7.2 million passengers, reflecting a significant increase in travel demand to the North African destination.
Earlier proposals had considered constructing an entirely new airport to address long-term aviation needs. However, the government has now opted to expand the existing facility instead.
The transport ministry did not specify the source of funding for the project in its announcement.
Tunisia’s economy has faced persistent difficulties in recent years, including rising public debt and inflationary pressures, raising questions about how the large-scale infrastructure development will be financed.
Despite the economic challenges, authorities view improved air transport capacity as a key step toward sustaining tourism growth and strengthening the country’s economic recovery.
