Marrakech Menara Airport: A Tourist Hub on the Rise
The Marrakech Menara Airport is confirming its pivotal role as a key player in Morocco's tourism sector. In the first quarter of 2026, the airport experienced an impressive increase in passenger traffic, soaring by nearly 12%. This surge is primarily attributed to a significant rise in both international connections and domestic flights.
According to data published by the National Airports Office (ONDA), the airport's performance is undeniably strong. From January to the end of March 2026, over 2.78 million travelers passed through its terminals, compared to nearly 2.5 million during the same period last year, marking an overall growth of 11.68%. March alone witnessed a remarkable acceleration, welcoming more than one million passengers, reflecting a 13.70% increase year-on-year.
International Traffic Drives Growth
This influx of travelers is supported by a widespread increase in activity across the board. International traffic is the primary driver of these statistics, with over 2.68 million passengers transported, which corresponds to a growth of 10.99%. Domestic flights, although accounting for a smaller volume with 104,109 travelers recorded, showcased a striking increase of 36.47% for the quarter.
The appeal of Marrakech as a destination is further evidenced by the popularity of its flight routes. In March, the Marrakech - Paris-Orly route ranked as the second most frequented air route in the country, followed closely by flights from London-Gatwick. The Paris-CDG connection rounded out the top five routes, which are dominated by the Casablanca-Jeddah route. This local trend aligns seamlessly with the broader national trend, as airports across Morocco approached 8.9 million passengers in the first three months, reflecting an impressive growth of 11.15%.
Overall, the aviation sector in Morocco is off to an incredible start in 2026, with record performances indicating a promising year ahead for tourism and travel in the region.
As reported by bladi.net.
