Record Growth in Air Traffic Between France and Morocco
The air transport sector connecting France and Morocco is thriving, showcasing remarkable resilience and growth. As we step into 2026, flights linking Parisian airports to the vibrant cities of Marrakech and Casablanca have reached the pinnacle of international traffic. The Marrakech-Menara Airport solidifies its reputation as a major tourist gateway for Morocco, having welcomed an impressive 1,016,169 passengers in April alone, marking an 8.42% increase compared to the previous year. Across the first four months of the year, this airport recorded a total of 3,803,669 travelers, a substantial rise from the 3,432,643 passengers recorded during the same period in 2025. This significant increase is largely attributed to international flights, which accounted for 961,408 passengers in April, while domestic flights also saw a notable surge of 20.30%, serving 54,761 users.
A closer look at the statistics reveals that French air routes are at the heart of this remarkable activity. The Marrakech to Paris-Orly route emerged as the busiest for April, transporting 78,229 passengers. Following closely behind, the Casablanca to Paris-Orly route recorded 73,481 travelers, with the Marrakech to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Casablanca to Paris CDG routes bringing in 60,667 and 52,158 passengers, respectively. In contrast, the Marrakech to London-Gatwick route had a lower volume of 48,233 passengers, illustrating the strong dominance of Parisian connections.
Marrakech's Role as a Tourist Hub
The Marrakech-Menara Airport continues to affirm its role as a key driver of Morocco's tourism industry. In the first quarter of 2026, passenger traffic surged by nearly 12%, propelled by a significant uptick in both international and domestic flights. As Marrakech solidifies its status as a national tourism locomotive, the airport is preparing for an exceptionally busy week ahead, demonstrating the sector's robust health, which is supported by a long-term national investment strategy.
In addition to these trends, the increase in flights between Rabat and Paris has helped restore air traffic levels in France to nearly pre-pandemic figures from 2019. The African air transport sector is witnessing a vigorous recovery, with Moroccan airports in Casablanca and Marrakech emerging as leaders in rapid growth across the continent at the start of the year. Air France is actively pursuing the Moroccan market, offering a winter flight program in 2025 that includes numerous routes to and from various cities in the kingdom. Starting 2026 with a record performance of 3.1 million passengers in January, the Moroccan air transport sector recorded a 14.7% increase, while maritime traffic also ended 2025 on a strong note with an 8.9% growth.
As airlines grapple with increasing delays, Royal Air Maroc stands out for its punctuality, especially on routes originating from Paris. The terminals across Morocco are operating at full capacity, with exceptional activity noted since early December, boosted by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Between December 8 and 18, over 868,000 passengers arrived in Morocco, a trend that has intensified in recent weeks. Furthermore, Marrakech-Menara Airport has been awarded the title of "Best Regional Airport in Africa" at the 2026 World Airport Awards in London, a recognition that underscores the modernization strategy implemented by the National Airports Office (ONDA) aimed at enhancing passenger experience.
As reported by bladi.net.
