Charif Al Idrissi Airport

Charif Al Idrissi Airport is the aerial gateway to the picturesque Al Hoceima region in northern Morocco. Named after the renowned 12th-century Arab geographer and cartographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, this airport is the second busiest in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. It serves as a starting point for travellers wishing to explore the Mediterranean coast and the beauty of the Rif Mountains. The airport handles both international and domestic flights, providing convenient connections to Europe and major Moroccan cities.

Despite its compact size, Charif Al Idrissi Airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable journey. The single terminal makes navigation intuitively simple, and check-in and security procedures are generally quite fast. The runway, which is 2,500 metres long, allows for the accommodation of medium-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 737. Thanks to its location, one can easily reach the city centre and coastal hotels from the airport by using taxi services or renting a car.

• Official Website: Official information about the airport is available on the website of the national airport operator of Morocco (ONDA). The airport does not have a direct page, but details can be found in the airports section at www.onda.ma.
• Information Desk Phone: +212 539 841 031. Recommended for checking flight schedules and general enquiries.
• Address: Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU), Al Hoceima, Morocco.
• Email: A dedicated email address for the airport is not provided. For general enquiries, you may write to the ONDA operator email: services-clients@onda.ma.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. Up-to-date information can be found on the official accounts of the operator, ONDA.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost luggage during a flight, you must immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service at the airport. Regarding items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For any assistance or consultation within the airport premises, please visit the information counter or use the information desk phone: +212 539 841 031.

Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU) is located approximately 17 kilometres southeast of the city of Al Hoceima, on the picturesque coast of Morocco. Getting from the airport to the city or vice versa is quite simple, although transport choices are limited. Here are the main methods worth considering when planning your trip.

Taxi and Transfer

The most common and convenient way to reach the centre of Al Hoceima is by taxi. Outside the arrivals terminal exit, you will find a rank for so-called "grand taxis" (large taxis). The journey to the city usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The fare is not always fixed, so it is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey. The estimated cost is between 150–200 Moroccan Dirhams. For greater convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service — this guarantees a fixed price and a meet-and-greet with the driver in the arrivals hall.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively explore the region, including Al Hoceima National Park and the surrounding beaches, renting a car is an excellent solution. Several car rental companies have offices both at the airport and in the city itself. This gives you complete freedom of movement. There is a car park at the airport where you can leave a rented vehicle. Please note that the roads in the Rif Mountains can be winding and require a certain level of driving skill.

Public Transport

There is no direct bus or rail connection between Charif Al Idrissi Airport and the city. Theoretically, one could walk to the nearest road and wait for a passing local bus or shared taxi, but for tourists with luggage, this option is extremely inconvenient and not recommended due to unpredictable schedules and the lack of stops directly at the terminal.

Airport Parking

The airport grounds feature an open-air car park suitable for both short-term and long-term parking. This is a convenient option if you are arriving in your own or a rented car to pick up or drop off someone, or to leave the car for the duration of your trip.

Alternative Airports Nearby

Since the airport in Al Hoceima handles a limited number of flights, many travellers consider alternative options. The nearest airports are Nador Airport (NDR) at 77 km and Melilla Airport (MLN) at 81 km. Larger hubs offering more international destinations include Sania Ramel (TTU) in Tetouan (142 km) and the major Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) in Fes (174 km). Also within a 175 km radius is North Front Airport (GIB) in Gibraltar.

Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU) in Al Hoceima is a compact regional airport with a structure that is simple and intuitive for passengers. It is designed to efficiently serve the small flow of tourists arriving in this resort region of Morocco.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all procedures take place in one location. The terminal building is functionally divided into two main zones: the departure zone and the arrival zone. They are located next to each other, making navigation extremely simple.

Terminal Layout and Navigation:

• Departure Zone: Includes check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. Due to the airport's compact dimensions, the path from the entrance to the gate takes minimal time.
• Arrival Zone: Consists of a passport control area (for international flights) and a baggage claim hall with one baggage belt. The exit to the city is immediately after this hall, where passengers are met by taxis and hotel representatives.

Going through check-in and security procedures at Charif Al Idrissi Airport is usually very quick. Outside of peak season, this may take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport standardly 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing, especially if you are flying internationally during the height of the tourist season. Thanks to the small size of the terminal and clear signage, getting lost here is practically impossible.

The history of Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU) is closely linked to the development of the city of Al Hoceima and the entire northern region of Morocco. The air harbour is named in honour of the distinguished 12th-century Arab geographer and cartographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, highlighting the historical significance of this land. Originally, the airport was established in the first half of the 20th century during the Spanish protectorate era and functioned as a small military airfield serving regional needs.

After Morocco's independence in 1956, the airfield gradually transitioned to civil use but remained a modest facility with limited capabilities for a long time. A true turning point in its history occurred in the 21st century. As part of a national programme to develop tourism infrastructure, the airport underwent extensive modernisation. In the late 2000s, a new modern terminal was built, and the runway was lengthened and reinforced to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737.

One of the significant moments in the airport's history was in 2004. Following a devastating earthquake in the Al Hoceima province, the airport played a key role in logistics, receiving international flights with humanitarian aid, rescue teams, and medical personnel. This event demonstrated the strategic importance of this aerial gateway for the entire region.

Today, Charif Al Idrissi Airport is a modern international airport serving as a vital link between the Rif region and Europe. It handles scheduled and seasonal flights to cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, and Rotterdam, which is of immense importance for both tourism development and the Moroccan diaspora living abroad. The airport has become a symbol of renewal and openness, granting travellers access to the picturesque beaches and mountains of northern Morocco.

Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU), serving the city of Al Hoceima and its surroundings, provides passengers with a set of essential services for a comfortable journey. Although it is a small regional airport, everything necessary for waiting for a flight is available here.

The terminal building features cafes and snack bars where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. There is also a small shop selling essential items, press, and souvenirs reminiscent of your trip to Morocco.

Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Electrical outlets are provided in the waiting lounges for charging gadgets. Basic financial services are available at the airport: there is a currency exchange bureau and ATMs for cash withdrawals.

For passengers travelling with children, mother and child rooms are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance, including escort services. To receive this service, it is recommended to contact the airline in advance. While there may not be specialised VIP lounges at the airport, information regarding premium comfort options is best checked with your carrier.

A medical service is on duty at the airport around the clock, ready to provide first aid. There are no specialised business centres or hotels within the terminal complex; however, a wide selection of hotels and conference facilities is available in the city of Al Hoceima, located nearby.

Charif Al Idrissi Airport (AHU) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find a few options for a snack before departure. If you are expecting a variety of meals, it is recommended to have a full lunch or dinner in the city of Al Hoceima before travelling to the airport.

The main place to get some food is the café-bar located in the general hall of the terminal, before the security checkpoint (landside). It is accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you can order coffee, traditional Moroccan mint tea, soft drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and other light snacks. This is the best place for a substantial snack or waiting for a flight.

After passing through security in the departure zone (airside), a small kiosk or snack bar may be in operation. The assortment here is generally more modest and oriented towards quick bites: drinks, crisps, chocolate, and packaged sandwiches. Coffee and pastries are suitable for a light breakfast, while a sandwich is a more filling option.

Do not miss the opportunity to taste authentic Moroccan mint tea — it is the gastronomic calling card of Morocco. Regarding dietary restrictions, finding specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes here will be extremely difficult. Vegetarians will likely be offered a cheese sandwich or pastries. Virtually all meat products are Halal by default.

Prices in the airport cafes are moderate but traditionally slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of the establishments are directly linked to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last aircraft of the day has departed.

To ensure your journey through Charif Al Idrissi Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, stress, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport. When planning a departure from the airport serving Al Hoceima, arrive well in advance. We recommend arriving 2.5–3 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic one. Although the airport is small, queues can occur during the peak tourist season, so it is better to have time in reserve.

Check-in and security control. The fastest way to check in for a flight is via online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop (if you have any) or to security control. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. The screening procedure is standard: liquids in a separate bag, electronics must be removed from your bag.

Seat selection on the plane. If you want to admire the picturesque coast of Morocco from above, choose a window seat. An aisle seat will provide more freedom of movement around the cabin. For those in a hurry, seats in the front part of the aircraft are ideal — this will allow you to disembark among the first.

Hand luggage. Carefully check your airline's hand luggage allowance regarding weight and size. Remember the rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are strictly prohibited in the cabin.

Passengers with connections. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if you need to collect and re-check it. Study the airport map to quickly find the necessary gate, especially if the transfer time is limited.

Customs control. When leaving the country, be prepared for a possible luggage check for cultural artefacts or large sums of undeclared currency. Upon arrival in Al Hoceima, if you have goods to declare, follow the "Red" channel.

Saving time and money. Book your airport transfer online in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone are usually inflated, so it is better to have a snack before arriving at the airport. Bring an empty bottle with you and fill it with water after passing security if you find a drinking fountain.

In case of flight delay. First, check the information on the departure board and in the airline's app. Do not hesitate to ask the carrier's representatives for information. For long delays, airlines are obliged to provide drinks or food vouchers. Be sure to keep all receipts for forced expenses — they may be needed to claim compensation.