Casablanca Tit Mellil Airport (ICAO: GMMT) (French: Aéroport Casablanca Tit Mellil, Arabic: مطار الدار البيضاء تيط مليل) is a regional airport located near the town of Tit Mellil, approximately 14 kilometers northeast of Casablanca, Morocco. It primarily serves general aviation, training, and small domestic flights, but it also plays a role in connecting rural and regional areas to the larger air transport hubs in Morocco..[2]
Tit Mellil Airport مطار الدار البيضاء تيط مليل | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summary | |||||||||||
Airport type | Public | ||||||||||
Serves | Tit Mellil | ||||||||||
Elevation AMSL | 331 ft / 101 m | ||||||||||
Coordinates | 33°35′40″N 7°27′50″W / 33.59444°N 7.46389°W | ||||||||||
Map | |||||||||||
Runways | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Source: Google Maps[1] |
History
editOriginally constructed during the French Protectorate era, Tit Mellil Airport was established to cater to military and civil aviation needs. Over the years, its role has evolved to support various forms of civil aviation, including recreational flying, private aviation, and training for pilots. Unlike the larger Mohammed V International Airport, which serves as the primary gateway to Casablanca for international flights, Tit Mellil is focused on smaller-scale aviation activities.
Facilities
editTit Mellil Airport is equipped with a single asphalt runway, which is 1,300 meters long. The airport lacks the extensive infrastructure of a major international airport, but it features essential facilities such as a control tower, hangars for aircraft maintenance, and a small terminal building. The terminal is primarily used for flight instruction and pilot training purposes.
The airport's primary function is for flight schools and training organizations that operate various small aircraft. It is also used by private aviation enthusiasts and local airlines operating smaller regional flights. Due to its smaller size, the airport handles fewer passengers than the primary airports in Morocco.
Current Use
editToday, Tit Mellil Airport remains an essential facility for the development of aviation in Morocco, especially for pilot training and general aviation. It is commonly used by flight schools based in Casablanca, offering a quieter and less congested environment for flight training. The airport is also a hub for light aircraft operations, recreational flying, and emergency services.
Location and Access
editThe airport is situated near the town of Tit Mellil, within the Casablanca-Settat region. It is accessible by road via the N9 national highway, making it easy to reach from Casablanca and surrounding areas. Public transportation options are limited, so private vehicles or taxis are the most common means of reaching the airport.
Future Prospects
editAs the demand for aviation services grows in Morocco, there have been discussions about upgrading the facilities at Tit Mellil Airport to accommodate more aircraft and a wider range of services. However, due to the proximity of Mohammed V International Airport, significant expansion is unlikely. Instead, the focus is expected to remain on pilot training, general aviation, and light aircraft operations.
Conclusion
editTit Mellil Airport serves an important role in Morocco’s aviation landscape, primarily as a hub for general aviation and pilot training. Although it does not compete with the larger airports in the country, its strategic location near Casablanca and focus on aviation education make it a valuable asset for the aviation community in Morocco.
References
edit- ^ Google Maps - Tit Mellil
- ^ "Aéroport de Benslimane : 500 MDH investis... pour une infrastructure non ouverte aux vols internationaux ! Archived 6 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine" La Vie éco. Retrieved 8 December 2011. "Tous sont en activité sur le site sauf Casa Air service qui tout en y louant un hangar a déménagé ses activités à Tit-Mellil, un aéroport de dimensions nettement plus modestes qui se trouve à moins d’une trentaine de kilomètres, à la sortie de Casablanca."