Tunisia’s Ministry of Transport plans to gradually adopt a policy of liberalizing air transport, conclude bilateral agreements, and encourage national airlines to forge commercial partnerships, particularly with friendly countries, Transport Minister Rachid Amri said.
“Efforts are currently under way to strengthen international air connectivity to and from Tunisian airports, with the aim of making Tunisia a regional hub and a connecting point in the Mediterranean area,” the minister stated at the opening of the “Aviation Days” workshop, held in Tunis in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.
Amri stressed that Tunisia places particular importance on strengthening international cooperation with partner countries, especially the United States and on promoting investment in the civil aviation sector by opening up to cutting-edge expertise and global best practices.
He added that the workshop, held behind closed doors, is part of a shared desire to support the civil aviation sector and enhance prospects for cooperation between the two countries in this strategic field. Discussions will focus mainly on issues of “safety and security,” he noted.
The minister expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a space for constructive dialogue and the exchange of perspectives, as well as an operational platform to explore opportunities for cooperation, investment and partnership with specialized U.S. institutions, in the service of shared interests and the development of the civil aviation system.
He recalled that civil aviation is a key lever for sustainable economic development, given its contribution to integration into the regional and international economic environment, the strengthening of economic and cultural relations between countries, and the improvement of the investment climate.
U.S. technologies made available to Tunisia
For his part, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi, reaffirmed his country’s willingness to cooperate with Tunisia in the field of civil aviation. He highlighted “the importance of airports as a country’s first showcase, as first impressions are formed upon arrival at an airport,” stressing the need to make it a positive experience.
The diplomat also affirmed that the United States remains committed to “contributing to the building of tomorrow’s Tunisia,” noting that his country is making its technologies available to Tunisia and emphasizing that U.S. companies offer the best solutions in the field of civil aviation.
The workshop, held on January 28 and 29, 2026, includes roundtable discussions, notably on passenger experience at airports and on landside and airside operations.
Tunisia’s vision for civil aviation by 2040 is based on consolidating pillars related to sustainability and the integration of airports and aviation into mobility and infrastructure networks.
Reforms introduced by Tunisia to achieve sustainable development include reorganizing civil aviation services and increasing the capacity of Tunisian airports from 19.5 million to 33 million passengers by 2030 and to 35 million passengers by 2035.
