Ryanair's Ambitious Expansion Plan in Morocco to Double Passenger Traffic
Ryanair, one of Europe's leading low-cost airlines, is set to embark on a major expansion in Morocco with a strategic plan that aims to significantly increase capacity. The ambitious initiative, supported by collaboration between the Ministries of Transport and Logistics, Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, in partnership with the National Tourism Office (ONMT), is geared towards doubling the current annual traffic from 4.5 million passengers to over 10 million by 2027.
The development plan, backed by the government, outlines three key pillars set to kick off in the summer of 2024. These include the launch of 24 new international routes, the establishment of 2 aircraft based in Tangier, and the introduction of domestic routes connecting 9 Moroccan cities.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its positive impact on the Moroccan aviation sector and its alignment with the country's tourism goals. This partnership is expected to bolster domestic tourism, in line with the roadmap aiming to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026.
Transport Minister Mohammed Abdeljalil highlighted the collaboration with Ryanair as part of the country's open sky policy, promoting the expansion of the international and domestic air network. The program encompasses the opening of 11 new domestic routes starting this summer, serving 9 Moroccan destinations and fostering connectivity for certain regions.
Adel El Fakir, CEO of the ONMT, described this step as a significant moment for the tourism sector, emphasizing that enhanced connections will support policies aimed at regional development and connectivity.
With the establishment of a new base in Tangier, Ryanair will have 14 aircraft based in Morocco. Concerning the international network, the airline will launch 24 new routes to Morocco from 8 strategic source markets, significantly increasing the total capacity to Morocco, comprising a total of 164 international routes and 11 domestic routes.