Beni Mellal Airport

Beni Mellal Airport is more than just a transport hub; it is a cozy aerial gateway to the very heart of the Middle Atlas, where your journey begins with views of majestic mountains and endless olive groves. This modern yet intimate air harbour offers tourists a rare atmosphere of tranquillity, free from the hustle and bustle of major metropolises. It is the ideal starting point for those eager to witness the authentic beauty of the region and the famous Ouzoud Falls almost immediately after landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main advantage of Beni Mellal Airport is its compactness and modernity. The terminal, which underwent a complete reconstruction in 2014, is designed to ensure maximum comfort: there are virtually no queues here, and the path from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes mere minutes. The building's architecture is inspired by local traditions, combining geometric forms with an abundance of natural light.

Furthermore, the airport boasts a unique location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is situated in close proximity to the region's key attractions, such as Bin El Ouidane Lake and the M'Goun Geopark, allowing you to save hours on ground transfers compared to arriving in Casablanca or Marrakech.

If you need to contact the administration of Beni Mellal Airport, please use the following contact details. Please note that the airport is managed by the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA), so many inquiries are processed centrally.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's page on the ONDA portal: www.onda.ma.
• Information Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can call: +212 523 49 81 21.
• Airport Address: Route de Marrakech, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
• Email: A dedicated email for the airport is not provided. For written inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the ONDA website.
• Social Media: Official news and updates from the managing company ONDA are published on their pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to finding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's support service directly. Their contact details can be found at the information desk in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general assistance and navigation within the airport, please approach the information desk or call the helpline.

Beni Mellal Airport (BEM) is located in close proximity to the city of Beni Mellal, making the journey there quick and convenient. There are several ways to reach the terminal, each with its own cost and comfort considerations.

The simplest and most popular way to get to the airport is by taxi. The trip from the centre of Beni Mellal will take just 15–20 minutes, as the distance is short. You can use a "petit taxi" (small taxi) for trips within the city or a "grand taxi" (large taxi) if travelling from the suburbs. It is strongly recommended to agree on the fare in advance with the driver to avoid misunderstandings. You can also book a private transfer, which will be slightly more expensive but guarantees a fixed price and comfort.

For travellers who value independence and plan to explore the picturesque Middle Atlas region, car rental is an excellent option. Both local and international rental companies operate in Beni Mellal. You can easily drive your rented car to the airport and leave it in the parking lot. The airport provides parking for both short-term and long-term stays, which is convenient if you arrive in your own vehicle.

Regarding public transport, there is usually no direct bus or train service to Beni Mellal Airport. This is a regional airport, and the transport infrastructure is primarily oriented towards private transport. The most budget-friendly, but least convenient option, would be to take a city bus to the stop nearest the airport, from where you would need to take a taxi for the remaining few kilometres.

Although Beni Mellal Airport serves domestic and some international flights, many travellers arrive in Morocco via larger hubs. These include Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, Menara in Marrakech, and Sale Airport in Rabat, from where Beni Mellal can be reached by bus or rented car.

Beni Mellal Airport (BEM) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which serves all flights — both domestic and the limited number of international ones.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is compact, and all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings or use shuttles. The departure and arrival zones are located in different parts of the same building but are very close. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the main hall where the check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area, followed by a small waiting lounge with access to boarding.

Thanks to the airport's modest size, all pre-flight procedures take minimal time. Check-in and security control usually proceed quickly, without the long queues typical of major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as per standard practice: 1.5–2 hours before departure for an international flight and approximately 1 hour before a domestic one, to complete all formalities without haste.

Navigation within the airport will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced traveller. Signs are generally in Arabic, French, and English. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the standard route: entrance, check-in, security check, waiting lounge. Getting lost here is practically impossible, making the airport very comfortable for starting or ending a journey.

The history of Beni Mellal Airport (BEM), located in the vicinity of the town of Oulad Yaich, is a vivid example of transformation. Initially, this facility was built as a military airfield and was used exclusively for the needs of the Morocco armed forces for many years. In the early 21st century, a strategic decision was made to radically rebuild it to transform it into a modern civil airport and open the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region to international tourism.

A key stage in the modern history of the airport began with a large-scale reconstruction, which concluded in May 2014 with the grand opening of the renovated complex. This event became a turning point, converting the former military facility into a fully-fledged civil hub. During the modernisation, a new passenger terminal was built, a modern control tower was erected, and the runway was significantly lengthened and strengthened, allowing it to accommodate medium-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 737.

The goal of this ambitious project was not just to update the infrastructure, but to stimulate economic growth and open the region to travellers. The airport, with an initial capacity of about 150,000 passengers per year, was intended to establish direct air links with European cities, from where the main flow of tourists arrives, eager to see natural treasures such as the Ouzoud Falls and Bin El Ouidane Lake.

An interesting fact in the airport's history is its "second birth". Despite the airfield existing for a long time, as a modern international airport, it is one of the youngest in the country. Its successful transformation from a military facility into an aerial gateway for tourists symbolises Morocco's commitment to developing regional infrastructure and making its picturesque, but previously hard-to-reach corners, more accessible to travellers from around the world.

Despite its compact size, Beni Mellal Airport (BEM) offers passengers a range of essential services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Here you will find everything necessary for a pleasant start or end to your journey through Morocco.

Dining and Shopping. Small cafes operate within the terminal where you can order drinks, fresh pastries, and light snacks. There are also several shops offering souvenirs, essential goods, and press. This is an excellent opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones or something useful for the road.

Connectivity and Finance. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for mobile devices are equipped in the waiting lounges. If you need to exchange money or withdraw cash, you can use the currency exchange services and ATMs located in the main hall.

Comfort and Special Needs. General lounges are provided for waiting for flights. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, and the airport infrastructure includes ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with children can use the mother and child room. In case of necessity, a medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, the city of Beni Mellal, which is easily accessible, offers a wide selection of hotels for every taste and budget. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving tourist flows.

When planning a flight through Beni Mellal Airport (BEM), it is important to consider that this is a small regional air terminal, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Unlike large international hubs, you will not find a wide variety of restaurants here, although it is still possible to have a snack before departure.

Typically, one or two small cafes or snack bars operate in the airport's single terminal. Usually, they are located in the public zone (landside), accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. After passing security control (airside), the selection may be even more modest or non-existent, so it is better to have a snack beforehand.

In the menus of such cafes, you can expect a standard selection:

• For a quick snack: sandwiches, pastries, chips, and chocolate.
• Beverages: coffee, tea, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• Local flavour: be sure to try traditional Moroccan mint tea. Sometimes local pastries, such as msemen flatbreads, can be found in the assortment.

As for a full meal, finding one at Beni Mellal Airport may be difficult. Passengers wishing to eat a substantial meal are recommended to do so at one of the restaurants in the city of Beni Mellal before travelling to the airport. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (veganism, gluten-free diet) are strongly advised to bring food with them, as specialised options are likely absent here. Please note that most food products in Morocco are Halal by default.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain moderate. The opening hours of catering establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before departure and close after the last aircraft has departed.

To ensure your journey through Beni Mellal Airport, serving the town of Oulad Yaich and its surroundings, goes smoothly, please make use of our tips. Beni Mellal Airport (BEM) is a small regional airport, so there is usually less bustle here than in the major international hubs of Morocco. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive approximately 2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security control zone. Security checks here are standard: be prepared to present your boarding pass, and remove electronics, liquids, and metal items. Remember that liquids in carry-on luggage are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer you picturesque views of the Atlas Mountains during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely and be among the first to exit the aircraft. Customs control upon arrival usually proceeds quickly. You may be required to fill out an entry card. Be prepared to declare large sums of currency or specific goods if you are carrying them.

If you have a layover at Beni Mellal Airport, clarify in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Information screens will help you find the necessary boarding gate. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security, as well as light snacks. This is more economical than buying them at the airport.

In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Stay calm and keep all necessary documents close at hand.