EasyJet to establish its first African base in Marrakech to boost connectivity

Thursday 16 October 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

EasyJet to establish its first African base in Marrakech to boost connectivity

EasyJet has announced plans to set up its first African base in Marrakech, marking a significant expansion into Morocco and the continent. The new base will deploy three aircraft at Marrakech’s airport, serving 24 destinations and creating 100 new jobs.

Strengthening ties with Morocco’s tourism sector

This initiative is part of a partnership between EasyJet and Morocco’s National Tourism Office. According to Travel Weekly, the airline aims to offer four million seats within the first year of the base’s operation, underscoring Morocco’s importance to EasyJet’s strategy.

Kenton Jarvis, EasyJet’s CEO, described the decision as “historic,” noting that Morocco is a key market for the airline. “We are the largest carrier to Morocco from the UK and Switzerland,” he said, highlighting the country as EasyJet’s fastest-growing market outside Europe. Jarvis also emphasized the growing appeal of Morocco for leisure and business travelers, particularly those booking EasyJet holidays.

A boost for Morocco’s tourism industry

The announcement aligns with Morocco’s broader efforts to strengthen its tourism sector. By the end of September 2025, the country had welcomed 15 million tourists, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. September alone saw 1.4 million arrivals, reflecting a 9% year-on-year growth.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor attributed the growth to strategic initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors. In 2024, Morocco recorded 17.4 million global tourist arrivals, and the government’s efforts aim to sustain this upward trend.

EasyJet’s new base is expected to further enhance Morocco’s connectivity to Europe while supporting the country’s goal of becoming a leading global tourist destination.