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Economy

Soaring Connections: Royal Air Maroc Launches Direct Abuja-Casablanca Route

Monday 24 June 2024 - 13:50

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In a significant development for African air travel, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has inaugurated a direct flight route between Abuja and Casablanca, marking a new chapter in Morocco-Nigeria relations. The maiden flight took off from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, heralding an era of enhanced connectivity between the two nations.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including Ahmed Anouar Boussouf, RAM's Regional Representative in Nigeria, Morocco's ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ou Ali Tagma, and Oyenekan Oloyede, Director of Operations at Abuja International Airport. The event underscored the diplomatic and economic significance of this new air link.

Passengers aboard the inaugural flight expressed their satisfaction with the long-anticipated direct route, highlighting the convenience and potential for increased bilateral engagement. Royal Air Maroc had previously announced the planned launch in May, setting June 23 as the commencement date for regular operations.

Ambassador Ouali Tagma characterized the new route as a "milestone in the relations between Morocco and Nigeria." He emphasized the broader context of cooperation between the two countries, referencing ongoing projects such as the ambitious gas pipeline initiative and OCP's fertilizer-related ventures in Nigeria.

Tagma further elaborated on the strategic nature of the Morocco-Nigeria partnership, stating, "Morocco and Nigeria are steadfastly working, under the enlightened guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, to build a strategic partnership."

A spokesperson for Royal Air Maroc earlier highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the new flight route, stating that it "will significantly contribute to enhancing economic growth, promoting cultural exchanges, and strengthening ties between our two countries."

The Abuja-Casablanca route is scheduled to operate three times a week - on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays - providing regular opportunities for business travelers, tourists, and officials to traverse between the two capitals with unprecedented ease.

This new air link is more than just a convenience; it represents a tangible manifestation of the evolving bilateral ties between Morocco and Nigeria. Both nations have consistently expressed their commitment to boosting cooperation across various sectors, and this direct flight serves as a physical bridge to facilitate those aspirations.

As Africa continues to seek greater intra-continental integration and cooperation, initiatives like this direct flight route play a crucial role in bringing nations closer together. The Abuja-Casablanca connection not only reduces travel time but also opens up new avenues for trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement.

With this inaugural flight, Royal Air Maroc has not just launched a new route; it has opened a sky highway that promises to bring two of Africa's most dynamic economies into closer orbit. As passengers traverse this aerial bridge, they carry with them the potential for new partnerships, shared experiences, and a deeper understanding between Morocco and Nigeria.