Tunisia Plans $1 Billion Expansion of Tunis-Carthage Airport

$1 Billion Expansion to Transform Tunis-Carthage Airport

In a major announcement on March 8, 2026, Tunisia's Ministry of Transport revealed an ambitious plan to expand Tunis-Carthage International Airport at an estimated cost of 3 billion dinars (~$1 billion USD), reported by Reuters.

Key Project Details

• Target capacity: 18.5 million passengers per year by 2031 (up from ~5 million currently)
• New terminal: 80,000 m² passenger terminal with additional check-in counters and expanded security screening
• Metro link: A new elevated metro line connecting the airport directly to central Tunis
• Budget: Formally included in the 2026 investment budget of OACA (Civil Aviation and Airports Authority)

New Airport Plans Abandoned

The government confirmed it has abandoned plans to build an entirely new airport, opting instead to maximize the potential of the existing Tunis-Carthage facility — ensuring its operation well beyond 2050.

Enfidha-Hammamet Future

The Ministry is also studying the possibility of reclaiming the Enfidha-Hammamet Airport concession when it expires in 2047, and connecting it to Tunis-Carthage via a high-speed rail link.

What This Means for Travelers

This transformation will position Tunisia as a major aviation hub in North Africa and the Mediterranean, with significantly improved passenger experience, reduced congestion, and stronger international connectivity.

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Source: Reuters, March 8, 2026