Matmata airport could soon find movement again. The Minister of Transport, Rachid Amri, announced the scheduling of two experimental air flights during the summer of 2026, a first in years for this marginalized infrastructure.
This initiative aims to test the economic viability and real demand in this South-East destination, long neglected due to lack of sufficient traffic. “The number of flights will be increased depending on the results of this experiment and its profitability,” said the minister during a parliamentary session devoted to the department’s 2026 budget.
The relaunch of Matmata is part of a broader strategy to reduce regional disparities and reintegrate domestic airports into the national network. The ministry recalls that it has been applying significant financial incentives for several months, of up to 70% reduction, to encourage airlines to operate regional platforms, in particular Tabarka and Tozeur.
The objective is twofold: to support tourism in areas with high potential and to reactivate existing infrastructure without major investment costs. The Matmata region, known for its unique landscapes and troglodyte villages, could benefit from a new influx of visitors if the test flights prove successful.
Beyond this announcement, the ministry is continuing its policy of improving access to transport in inland regions, but the relaunch of Matmata airport remains one of the strong signals of the 2026 budget.
Modernization: energy transition and digitalization
The Ministry of Transport’s budget for 2026 will see significant growth. According to Minister Rachid Amri, the credits recorded in the state budget amount to 1,281.08 million dinars in commitments and 1,267.3 million in payments, an increase of 17.7% in payment credits compared to 2025.
During a joint session between the Strategic Planning Commission and the Major Projects Commission, the minister detailed the distribution of expenditure which will concern land, air and maritime transport as well as support and governance programs for the sector. Nearly 95% of development spending will be for land transport.
SNCFT will absorb 48.6% of investments, and RFR 29.54%. Regional transport companies will benefit from an envelope of 40 million dinars, allowing the acquisition of around 250 buses. Furthermore, the State will participate in the financing of 30 new metro trains for Transtu, to the tune of 67.5 million dinars (15% of the overall cost).
