Casablanca Airport (CMN)

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport is Morocco’s main air gateway and a vital hub for North and West Africa. Located about 30 km south of Casablanca, it is a central node for Royal Air Maroc and a key connection point between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Historical Background

The airport’s origins date back to World War II, when it was constructed by the United States in 1943 as Berrechid Airfield, supporting military operations and transatlantic flights. After the war, it became Nouasseur Air Base, a strategic site for the US Air Force during the Cold War. Following Morocco’s independence in 1956, the airport was handed over to the Moroccan government and later named after King Mohammed V.

Terminal Description

The airport features three passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 as the flagship facility after a major expansion and modernization completed in 2019. Terminal 1 now covers 76,000 m² and can handle up to 7 million passengers annually, while the airport’s total capacity reaches 14 million. Terminal 2 is also significant, covering 66,000 m² and serving international flights. Both terminals are directly connected to large parking areas and transport links.

Layout and Zones

Terminal 1 is divided into several zones:

Arrivals Level: Passport control, baggage claim, customs, car rental, and ground transportation.
Departures Level: Check-in counters, security, passport control, and access to boarding gates.
Transit Zone: Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and relaxation areas.
VIP Lounges: The Zenith and Pearl lounges offer premium services, including comfortable seating, refreshments, showers, and business facilities.

Arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight, as security and passport control can take up to 90 minutes during peak hours.

Shopping and Dining

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport offers a vibrant shopping and dining scene, ensuring travelers have plenty of options to relax, eat, and shop before their flight. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 feature a mix of international brands, Moroccan specialties, and convenient services for all types of passengers.

Shopping

The airport boasts a broad selection of shops in both the public and duty-free areas. You’ll find everything from Moroccan handicrafts, jewelry, and leather goods to electronics, fashion, books, and cosmetics. Duty-free stores operate 24 hours and offer tax-free products such as liquor, perfumes, makeup, and gourmet foods.

Popular shops include:

Casablanca Duty Free (T1, open 24 hours)
Hudson News (T2, open 24 hours)
Diamantine (Moroccan fashion, T2)
Kounouz El Yassmin (local products, T2)
Sud Bio (organic products, T2)

For last-minute gifts or souvenirs, explore the Moroccan arts and crafts shops before heading to your gate.

Dining

Dining options at Casablanca Airport cater to every taste, from quick snacks to full meals. Both terminals offer a range of restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets, with choices spanning Moroccan cuisine, international favorites, and well-known chains.

Terminal 1 Highlights:

Starbucks (24 hours)
Paul (French bakery, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Matsuri (Japanese, 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM)
Maymana (Moroccan, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
Café Bianca
Burger King
Sky Cafe

Terminal 2 Highlights:

La Table Du Marché (24 hours)
Starbucks (24 hours)
Pearl Lounge (VIP, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
Venizia Ice (ice cream, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Espressamente illy (Italian coffee)
McDonald’s
Pomme de Pain (French sandwiches)
السيد كباب (grill/kebab)
بول (Paul bakery)

If you’re traveling early or late, Starbucks and La Table Du Marché are open around the clock, making them reliable choices for any schedule.

Additional Tips

Many restaurants and cafes accept credit cards, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller vendors.
For a premium experience, the VIP lounges in both terminals offer complimentary snacks, drinks, and a quiet atmosphere perfect for work or relaxation.
Family travelers will find child-friendly menus and baby-changing facilities in several dining venues.

Whether you’re looking to indulge in Moroccan flavors, grab a familiar coffee, or pick up duty-free bargains, Casablanca Mohammed V Airport’s shopping and dining facilities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable pre-flight experience.

For a taste of local flavors, try the Moroccan restaurants in the departures area—perfect for a last meal before your flight.

VIP Areas

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport offers several VIP lounges designed to provide travelers with comfort, privacy, and a premium pre-flight experience. These exclusive spaces are ideal for business travelers, frequent flyers, or anyone seeking a tranquil environment away from the busy terminal.

Zenith Lounge

The Zenith Lounge, recently renovated and renamed to honor Casablanca, is the flagship VIP lounge at the airport1. With a capacity for 225 guests, it features a refined and welcoming atmosphere, complete with elegant décor and curated artwork. The lounge offers a variety of seating options, including long couches and individual armchairs, as well as a dedicated relaxation area for those needing rest before their journey1.

Amenities include:

Showers for freshening up before your flight
A kids’ room for families traveling with children
A terrace with a smoking area
Lounge TV and a well-stocked lounge bar
A new business center equipped with modern computers for last-minute work or emails

The business center is ideal for catching up on work or sending important emails before departure.

Pearl Lounge

The Pearl Lounge, located airside near Gate A9 in Terminal 1, is open 24/7 and provides access up to three hours before your flight. Here, guests enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a wide range of food and beverages, shower facilities, and dedicated kids’ and smoking rooms. The lounge is accessible to business and first-class passengers, as well as to those who purchase access via lounge programs or directly at the airport.

If your flight is delayed or you have a long layover, the Pearl Lounge’s 24-hour operation ensures you always have a comfortable place to relax.

Services and Access

VIP lounges at Casablanca Airport offer:

High-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations
Self-service computers and business facilities
Snack bars with a selection of hot and cold drinks, light meals, and snacks
Comfortable armchairs, TV, and international newspapers
Showers and rest facilities for freshening up before your flight

Access is typically granted to business and first-class passengers, frequent flyer program elites, and holders of lounge access cards (such as Priority Pass). Some lounges also allow entry for a fee, which can be booked online or at the airport.

Booking lounge access in advance, especially during peak travel times, ensures availability and can sometimes secure a better rate.

Additional VIP Services

Fast Track: Some VIP packages include fast track through security and passport control, reducing wait times and making the airport experience smoother.
Personalized Assistance: Services such as meet & greet, baggage handling, and private transfers can be arranged for an even more seamless journey.

User Experience

While the lounges offer a range of amenities, recent traveler reviews highlight that the quality of food and cleanliness can vary, especially in the Pearl Lounge. For the best experience, consider using the Zenith Lounge or checking recent reviews before booking.

If you value food quality and cleanliness, check the latest lounge reviews or ask staff for recommendations upon arrivals

Purchase your pass for Casablanca Airport Lounges

Facilities and Services

Wi-Fi: Free and reliable throughout all terminals.
ATMs & Currency Exchange: Available in arrivals and departures.
Luggage Storage: Secure baggage storage is located in the arrivals area.
Family Services: Baby changing rooms, children’s play areas, and family-friendly dining.
Accessibility: Dedicated services for passengers with reduced mobility (PMR), including accessible restrooms, elevators, and assistance staff.
Lost & Found: Located near baggage claim; staff can assist in recovering lost items.
Security & Baggage Control: Modern security screening and customs checks ensure safety. Baggage is screened both at check-in and prior to boarding.

Keep your baggage claim tag and boarding pass handy for quick processing at security and lost & found.

Check-in & Boarding

Check-in counters are clearly marked, with self-service kiosks available for many airlines. After security, follow clear signage to your gate.

Use online check-in to save time and avoid queues at the airport.

Popular Flights from Casablanca Mohammed V Airport

Destination	Approx. Flight Time	Airlines Operating
Paris (CDG/ORY)	3h 0m – 3h 15m	Royal Air Maroc, Air France, Transavia
Madrid (MAD)	2h 0m	Royal Air Maroc, Iberia
Istanbul (IST)	4h 15m	Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc
Dubai (DXB)	7h 15m	Emirates, Royal Air Maroc
Cairo (CAI)	5h 0m	EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc
Dakar (DSS)	3h 30m	Royal Air Maroc
Tunis (TUN)	2h 45m	Tunisair, Royal Air Maroc
Montreal (YUL)	7h 30m	Royal Air Maroc, Air Canada
New York (JFK)	7h 45m	Royal Air Maroc
Marrakech (RAK)	1h 0m	Royal Air Maroc

Casablanca Airport (CMN) - Terminals