Enhancing Air Connectivity in Morocco
The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) has taken a significant step in its strategy to bolster air connectivity for the country by inaugurating a new easyJet base at Marrakech-Menara Airport on April 15. This marks easyJet's first operational base in Africa, representing a pivotal development for Moroccan air travel. The establishment of this base, which includes the deployment of three aircraft and the potential to accommodate up to 4 million seats in its first year, is designed to enhance travel options for tourists arriving from key European markets and to support Morocco's growing tourism sector.
The launch ceremony was attended by Achraf Fayda, the General Director of ONMT, alongside Kenton Jarvis, easyJet's General Director. The new base will not only strengthen existing travel routes but also introduce six new connections to easyJet's network, increasing the total number of routes linking Morocco to its source markets to 58. Starting in winter 2026, easyJet plans to open three new routes connecting Marrakech with Prague, Newcastle, and Zurich, followed by additional lines in spring 2026 connecting Nantes to Essaouira, Bordeaux to Agadir, and Birmingham to Agadir.
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
With this new base, easyJet has expanded its service to five Moroccan airports, including Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Essaouira, and Tangier, solidifying its status as the leading airline connecting the UK and Switzerland to Morocco. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 100 direct jobs, alongside indirect benefits for the local tourism ecosystem in Marrakech and other affected destinations.
This development underscores a strategic partnership established in the fall of 2025 between ONMT and easyJet, aimed at sustainably enhancing Morocco's accessibility, diversifying its source markets, and fostering more balanced tourism growth. Additionally, the partnership includes the promotion of easyJet holidays, featuring over 70 accommodation options in Marrakech. Since its entry into the Moroccan market in 2006, easyJet has transported nearly 20 million passengers to the country. With this new operational base, ONMT anticipates a sustainable increase in tourist traffic and improved air service structuring on a national scale.
As reported by lebrief.ma.
