Tunisia is moving forward with a major expansion of Tunis–Carthage International Airport, aiming to more than triple its capacity, even as experts warn the plan may fail to address deeper structural issues and could strain public finances.
The project, estimated to cost around 3 billion dinars ($1 billion), is designed to increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from about 5 million to more than 18 million by 2031. Plans include building a new terminal, upgrading existing facilities, and expanding supporting infrastructure such as aircraft parking areas and technical systems.
Officials say the expansion is necessary to accommodate rising passenger traffic, which has already exceeded the airport’s intended capacity in recent years. In 2024, the airport handled roughly 7 million passengers, surpassing its theoretical limit and intensifying pressure on its infrastructure.
However, frequent complaints from travelers highlight persistent operational problems, including long waiting times, overcrowding, delayed baggage handling, and limited services. Some passengers report waiting hours to clear passport control or retrieve luggage.
Industry observers say the airport’s aging infrastructure and constrained location are at the core of the problem. Built in 1940, the facility is now surrounded by dense urban development, limiting its ability to expand significantly or modernize efficiently.
“The issue is not just capacity,” said an aviation expert familiar with the sector. “An airport is a complete system—runways, logistics, traffic flow. Expanding passenger space alone won’t solve structural bottlenecks.”
The airport is also unable to accommodate some of the largest aircraft used on long-haul routes, due to limitations in runway and taxiway design. In addition, outdated technology systems and recurring technical failures have contributed to delays and disruptions.
According to industry rankings, Tunis–Carthage Airport was placed last among 250 airports worldwide in 2025, citing poor punctuality and passenger experience. Only about half of departing flights were reported to leave on time.
The airport’s location within a heavily populated urban area has raised further concerns. Experts warn that expansion could worsen traffic congestion and increase safety and environmental risks, including noise pollution for nearby residents.
For years, policymakers debated whether to expand the existing airport or build a new one outside the capital. While earlier proposals considered constructing a new facility in less congested areas north of the capital, authorities have now opted to prioritize expansion.
Critics argue that decision may prove short-sighted. Some economists say the cost of expansion approaches that of building a new airport, which could offer greater long-term benefits, including the potential to develop a regional logistics hub linking Europe, Africa, and Asia.
“There is a risk of investing heavily in a temporary solution,” said a former transport official. “Within a decade, the same capacity problems could re-emerge.”
Proposals for a new airport have included large-scale developments designed to support cargo operations, transit traffic, and economic zones. Advocates say such a project could better leverage Tunisia’s geographic position and support long-term growth.
Meanwhile, other infrastructure challenges persist. The airport lacks strong public transport connections, and passengers often face difficulties securing regulated taxi services upon arrival.
Despite these concerns, authorities have confirmed that the expansion project will proceed, with construction expected to begin after final studies are completed.
Whether the project will resolve Tunisia’s aviation challenges—or merely postpone them—remains a subject of debate among industry experts.
