The airport was first used by the United States Army Air Forces as a stopover for cargo, personnel and aircraft transportation during the World War II. It now functions as an international airport in Marrakesh, Morocco’s touristic capital city. With a capacity of 9 million passengers annually, it is the second busiest in the country, after Mohamed V airport in Casablanca. In addition to operating flights to many cities worldwide, the airport receives flights from Casablanca, with plans of expanding the national routes to cover other cities within the country. The airport is located 6km to the southwest of downtown and 7 to Djemaa el-fna (Medina). In order to facilitate your purchases in the country, the airport offers three currency booths to exchange your money, be it a Euro, Dollar, Sterling or a Pound to Dirham. There are even ATM machines, just make sure you check out the ones that accept foreign credit cards. You can distinguish these by the Cirrus, Plus and Maestro logos. As one expects from a 21st century airport, Menara offers free internet connection to its millions of passengers that you can access while waiting at the lobby or while having your favorite drink in one of the restaurants. People with disabilities are provided ramps and lifts to help them move easily from one floor to another and through the terminal complex.
The 2016 extension of Menara airport gave it a modern and airy design, making of it one of the most beautiful in the world.