Ryanair Expands Presence in Morocco with Tangier Base Launch

Wednesday 10 July 2024 - 13:40

Ryanair, the European low-cost carrier, has made a significant move in strengthening its foothold in Morocco by officially opening a new base in the city of Tangier. This latest development marks the airline's fourth operational base within the North African country, representing a $200 million investment and underscoring Ryanair's commitment to enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism in the region.

The Tangier base will be home to two Ryanair aircraft and will offer passengers a network of 25 routes, 13 of which are brand new services. These new connections will link Tangier to eight additional European cities and five more Moroccan destinations, expanding the city's reach and accessibility for both international and domestic travelers.

Ryanair's Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Wilson, expressed the airline's enthusiasm for this strategic move, stating, "We are delighted to officially launch our new base at Tangier, which represents a $200 million investment and our fourth Moroccan base. This latest base opening is part of our record S24 schedule which will see Ryanair operate over 170 routes across the Kingdom, boosting tourism and connectivity."

The expansion in Tangier is set to have a significant impact on the local economy, with the creation of over 600 direct and indirect jobs, including positions for pilots and cabin crew. This aligns with Ryanair's commitment to supporting Morocco's economic growth and development.

Fatim-Zahra Ammor, the Minister of Tourism, echoed the sentiment, stating, "The opening of Ryanair's new base in Tangier marks a significant milestone in our tourism and economic development strategy. This expansion strengthens the position of Tangier and the entire northern region as a choice destination, facilitating the arrivals of both national and international tourists."

The new Tangier base is set to boost the city's summer 2024 capacity by an impressive 70%, contributing to Ryanair's record-breaking schedule across 12 Moroccan airports. The airline aims to accommodate over 5 million passengers, reflecting a 31% growth in travel to, from, and within Morocco.

Ryanair's total investment in Morocco now exceeds $1.4 billion, supporting more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs and promoting economic development across 12 cities, including Rabat, Marrakesh, Fez, Agadir, Tetouan, Essaouira, and Nador.

To celebrate the launch of the Tangier base, Ryanair is offering a special seat sale, with fares starting from 159 MAD for travel until October 2024, available exclusively on the airline's website.

This strategic expansion by Ryanair in Morocco underscores the carrier's commitment to enhancing regional and international connectivity, while also positioning Tangier as a premier summer destination for both domestic and international visitors. With its renowned low-fare model and focus on customer experience, Ryanair is poised to play a significant role in the continued growth and development of Morocco's thriving tourism industry.