Marrakech Menara is a large international airport serving Marrakech.
Getting Here & Away
Its about 15 to 20 minutes from the urban core. There are two options to get and from the airport - either a taxi cab or the airport shuttle. The shuttle runs roughly every 30 minutes to the train station with stops along the way. The cost is 30dh (buy tickets from driver). The other option a taxi cab. There are two types of taxis in most Moroccan cities, the petit and the grande. A Petit can take three passengers over the age of two (under two can ride in your lap). A Grande takes up to six passengers. Naturally, the grande costs more. A petit from the airport to city center will cost around 70dhs (more at night) while a grande costs around 150dh. Other than the body style differences, the two cabs are slightly different colors (the petit is a peachier color than the matte gold of the grande cabs). You can also book private transfer through a tour company. This is ideal for larger groups or anyone require mobility assistance. Some hotels will also provide transfer services.
Departures
Upon arrival, by bus or taxi, walk from the drop-off lane to one of three entrances to the departures hall. All doors have a quick security screening upon entrance. Pop all your luggage including purse on the belt to enter the airport. Unlike security screening, you do not need to pull out liquids and electronics.
In the center of the hall are ticket offices, to either side, check-in desks. To the far right is international departures and a pharmacy. At the back of the hall is screening for domestic departures.
Even if you are not dropping bags, you must go to the check-in counter to have your travel documents verified. Many carriers require you to print your boarding pass to present to the desk either for a stamp or they will print an official boarding pass for security. Airline representatives will also check your luggage size here and check any items that are too large for onboard. Generally, check-in closes one hour before flight, potentially earlier so do not cut it close. If you have oversized baggage, you will need to take it to a special drop point located along the huge glass wall where you entered the airport.
Next up is security and customs. This is similar to most airports. You scan your boarding pass and queue up in stantions. While in line, the customs officials will spot check passengers. After the customs door, you go through security. Normal procedures - liquids out, coats off, electronics in the bin. Shoes do not need to be removed unless they set off alerts during screening. Finally you head to the border control to have your passport stamped. We have been limited to two people at a time at the desk so you may need to split your party in two if traveling as a group.
There is a family and extra assistance line to the right as you exit security screening. You will need to advocate for yourself to join this line or an attendant may spot you and send you over. I would encourage you to have the airline code your disability in the system so that you have an assistance code on your boarding pass. This will help avoid any confusion within the airport. When you leave passport control, officials will check your stamped boarding pass and passport so keep them at the ready.
These additional steps add up. Do not roll into the airport with a carry-on an hour before departure and expect to make it. Most airlines advise three hours for good reason.
Now you stroll through duty-free, but there is a catch. Because dirhams are a closed currency, you cannot spend more than 250dh (about $25) per person in the airport. If you have more than that, you should exchange the money prior to leaving (there is an exchange desk in the departures hall). Prices are listed in Euros and cards are accepted at every check-out counter. A gates are on the same level as duty free. Between gates A3 and A4 is a relaxation area with loungers and plugs. Most of the gates also have a limited number of places to charge devices as well. Gate waiting areas are stancioned off, be prepared to present your boarding pass before entering the area. B gates are down the stairs or escalator to the left of the first duty-free exit.
Regardless of airline, gates close fairly early relative to flight time, generally 30 minutes or more. Announcements are made in French so keep an eye on the departure information boards. Most flights are accessed from the tarmac. Keep your sunglasses handy for this portion of boarding. Turbulence is quite common taking off and landing in Marrakech, particularly in the afternoon/evening when winds pick up off the mountains. It can be alarming the first time!
Arrivals
Upon arrival, you will go through passport control. There are no e-gates, simply a general line and an assisted line. This can take a while during busy periods as the process is all manual. You will need to show your boarding passes along with your passport. Have your hotel name and address handy for Border Control as well. Don't dawdle while deplaning. If you are able, book it down there and use the bathroom afterwards. As you exit Border Control, officials will check your stamped passport so keep it handy.
Once your passport is stamped and verified, collect your luggage, and head to the exit. If needed, you can visit the small duty free kiosk, mainly stocked with alcohol. If you accept staff help, be prepared to tip. At the exit, you will need to scan the baggage again. You do not need to remove anything, simply send it through the machine and collect your luggage. If customs has any questions, they will take a look in your bag. Otherwise proceed to the exit. Note that once you have exited, you cannot re-enter. Use the bathroom prior to leaving the airport.
Once outside, you can meet your driver, head to the taxi stand (buy a ticket first), or jump on the shuttle bus. If you are renting a car, head to the back of the parking lot. There is a row of kiosks for the global companies like Budget, Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. A few local companies are not located on airport property. Be sure to confirm pick up location prior to arrival so you aren't wandering around in the blazing sun. Have a plan before you exit. There is always someone offering to drive you - these can be scams.
Lost and Found
If you leave something on the aircraft or you are missing luggage, Menara Airport handles all these queries through the Swiss Port office inside baggage claim. Getting back inside the baggage claim area is a bit confusing.
You will have to go through the entrances to the departures hall to enter the airport. Head to your right as though you are going to security. Face security. There is the entrance to screening, to the right an info point in front of the courtyard. To the far right their is a low wall with a door flanked by two yellow signs. This is the entry point back to baggage claim. If you have trouble locating the entrance, the staff at the info point can show you the correct doorway.
Let the officer on duty know that you are going to the Lost & Found. The officer will need passports for everyone entering and will copy your arrival stamp information. You may need to show a boarding pass as well. All bags will go back through screening with the officer and you will exit into baggage claim. The office is all the way at the end. Proceed here to file a claim or collect your missing items. The phone number for the office is +212 52 444 7910, but it is rarely answered. Your best bet is to go in person.
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