OACA plans to invest TND 5 million in 2024 to boost activity at Tunisian airports (Minister)

The Office of Civil Aviation and Airports (OACA) plans to invest around 5 million dinars in 2024 to boost the activity of Tunisian airports and guarantee their level of operation, Minister of Transport Rabie Majidi told a plenary session of the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) on Tuesday. In response to a question from MP Mohamed Yahyaoui on the revitalisation of Tabarka-Ain Drahem airport, the minister said that the OACA had incurred losses estimated at TND 8.5 million in 2022 as a result of operating costs and its efforts to keep airports operational and continue the policy of waiving airport and air navigation charges. Tabarka airport is covered by the ministry's new policy to boost national airports, he pointed out, by encouraging the private sector, creating aeronautical industrial and logistics zones, and implementing a communication strategy to promote the northwest. "Tabarka airport has seen a significant drop in passenger numbers in recent years, from over 65,000 in 2010 to 1,000 passeng ers in 2016". The MP suggested that a national committee should be set up to boost activity at the airport, stressing the importance of open skies.