A MEDITERRANEAN destination nicknamed ‘the land of jasmine’ will soon have an even bigger airport with space for millions more passengers.
Plans have been revealed to expand and modernise Tunis-Carthage International Airport in Tunisia, Africa as it aims to quadruple its passenger numbers in just five years.
The airport – which is the 10th busiest in Africa – will undergo a major £743million makeover over the next five years.
The country’s Transport Ministry shared that the plans will include building a new passenger terminal as well as the existing terminal being renovated.
Between the two terminals, the Transport Ministry aims to increase passenger numbers from five million people per year to 18.5million passengers by 2031.
There will also be a new technical building and the air traffic control tower will be upgraded.
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Some reports suggest that the broader project will involve adding VIP lounges as well.
In addition, the Transport Ministry hopes that it will improve connectivity placing Tunisia as a gateway to the Mediterranean with links to Africa, Europe and emerging destinations.
The upgrade could also pave the way for new airline partnerships and flight routes.
News of the makeover follows original plans for building a new airport being put on hold.
Known as ‘the land of jasmine’ for its use of jasmine flowers in festivals, cultural traditions and perfumes, Tunisia takes about three hours to fly to from the UK.
And flights in April are as cheap as £30 one-way.
The capital and main city to visit is Tunis.
The Sun’s Deputy Digital TV Editor Jill Robinson recently visited the city and said: “Winding my way through narrow streets, the smell of jasmine and mint tea fills the air as I pass craftsmen, locals doing their shopping and an abundance of cats.
“It would have been easy to think I was in the souks of Marrakech, but I’m in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.
“While its Medina is not as chaotic as its Moroccan counterpart, the historic streets bustle with locals selling their wares as tourists like me squeeze through.
“From traditional clothing to jewellery, perfume to sweet treats, there’s any amount of treasures to be found just as long as you’re prepared to haggle.
“The Medina was built around the big mosque — nicknamed the Olive Tree Mosque due to the trees there in the 8th century — but it is also home to 100 smaller mosques.
“While Tunisia is an Islamic country, its history and influences are vast — including Arab, Andalucian, Turkish and Berber — and are visible to see as you take in the colourful arched doorways, former palaces and humble homes.
“On a day trip from my hotel, I learned about the rich culture of Tunis and the ancient ruins of Carthage, whose most famous son Hannibal (of elephants fame) became one of history’s most celebrated generals and took on the might of the Roman Empire in the Second Punic War.”
If you fancy a beach day, head to La Marsa where you will find a number of calm beaches, with cosy cafes and crystal clear waters.
Nearby, you can also head to the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, which sits on a clifftop and is often compared to Santorini in Greece.
There’s Djerba Island as well, which is loved for its sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
The temperature can reach up to 20C in March and 22C in April, making it the ideal destination to grab a bit of warmth while the UK remains around 10C.
Nouvelair Tunisie offers direct flights from London Gatwick to Tunis-Carthage Airport and Tunisair offers direct flights from both London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
In other airport news, a closed UK airport reveals latest plans to finally reopen after 12 years.
Plus, a major UK airport is getting a new £30million upgrade with more shops, seating and even a ‘hidden speakeasy bar’.