Tunisia Announces $1 Billion Expansion of Tunis–Carthage Airport to Boost Passenger Capacity

TUNIS, Tunisia — March 8, 2026

Updated: March 8, 2026 | 18:30 GMT

Tunisia plans to invest approximately $1 billion in expanding Tunis–Carthage International Airport, aiming to increase the facility’s passenger handling capacity from around 5 million to 18.5 million travelers annually, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport and a Reuters report.

Tunisia will invest $1 billion to expand its Tunis–Carthage International Airport, aiming to nearly quadruple its passenger capacity.

The airport's capacity will increase from 5 million to 18.5 million passengers annually by 2031, with the project included in the 2026 budget.… pic.twitter.com/gEvAyNBeRe

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The project, estimated at around 3 billion Tunisian dinars, forms part of Tunisia’s strategy to modernize its aviation infrastructure and accommodate growing passenger demand, the transport ministry said in a statement cited by Reuters.

Officials said the expansion has been included in the 2026 investment budget of Tunisia’s Civil Aviation and Airports Authority, which oversees the country’s airport infrastructure.

According to the ministry, the upgrade is expected to raise the airport’s annual capacity to 18.5 million passengers by 2031, nearly quadrupling its current throughput.

Authorities said the government had previously explored constructing a new airport near Tunis but decided to suspend that proposal and instead expand the existing Tunis–Carthage International Airport.

The airport serves as Tunisia’s primary international gateway and a major entry point for tourism and business travel. Officials said strengthening the facility’s capacity is part of broader efforts to improve transport infrastructure and support economic activity.

Across Africa, governments are increasing investment in aviation infrastructure as passenger traffic grows and countries compete to position major cities as regional air transport hubs. Airport expansion projects are underway in several African countries as authorities seek to strengthen connectivity, tourism flows, and regional trade links.

For North Africa and the broader continent, upgrades to Tunisia’s main airport reflect a wider push to modernize transport networks and support cross-border mobility, which plays a critical role in tourism, logistics,s and economic integration across Africa.

The Tunisian government said the airport expansion will be implemented under its national aviation development program, with the capacity upgrade targeted for completion by 2031.