TUNIS, Mar 9 – Tunisia is planning a major upgrade of its primary international airport as part of efforts to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure and support future growth in air travel.
The government intends to expand Tunis-Carthage International Airport through a project estimated to cost around 3 billion dinars, or roughly $1 billion.
According to the Tunisian Ministry of Transport, the expansion will significantly increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity from about 5 million travelers per year to approximately 18.5 million annually by 2031.
Officials say the project is part of a broader plan to strengthen Tunisia’s air transport infrastructure and accommodate rising passenger demand over the coming years.
The ministry confirmed that funding for the development has been included in the 2026 investment budget of the Office de l’Aviation Civile et des Aéroports, the state agency responsible for managing airports and aviation infrastructure in the country.
Authorities also indicated that the government has temporarily shelved earlier plans to construct a completely new airport. Instead, policymakers have opted to expand and modernize the existing Tunis-Carthage facility to meet long-term aviation needs.
The planned upgrade is expected to improve passenger experience, increase operational efficiency and support tourism and business travel in Tunisia.