Royal Air Maroc, Morocco's national carrier, has inaugurated a new direct air route between Casablanca and Essaouira. The new route is part of efforts to enhance domestic air connectivity and promote territorial integration. The route was launched on October 28, 2026, in Essaouira, and is expected to facilitate travel for citizens while supporting tourism and economic development in the region.

The new air route is a partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Wali of the Marrakech-Asfi region, the Marrakech-Asfi regional council, and Royal Air Maroc. The route will operate from November 1, 2026, with two weekly flights, offering a subsidized and fixed fare of 400 dirhams for the one-way economic class ticket.

The new route will operate on Wednesday and Sunday. On Wednesdays, flights will depart from Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport at 4:00 PM and arrive in Essaouira at 5:20 PM. On Sundays, flights will depart from Casablanca at 8:20 AM and arrive in Essaouira at 9:40 AM. Return flights from Essaouira will depart on Wednesdays at 6:00 PM and arrive in Casablanca at 7:20 PM, while Sunday flights will depart at 10:20 AM and arrive in Casablanca at 11:40 AM.

The launch of this new route is expected to contribute to the development of tourism in Essaouira and promote the city's cultural and historical heritage. Essaouira is one of Morocco's prominent cultural and tourist destinations, known for its rich history, natural and cultural assets, and various events that attract national and international attention.

According to Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Qayouh, the launch of this route is part of Royal Air Maroc's 2030 strategy to enhance connectivity between Casablanca and other Moroccan cities, making air travel more accessible to a wider range of citizens at affordable prices.

The new air route will also connect Essaouira to Royal Air Maroc's national and international network through Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, which serves as the airline's main hub and connects Morocco to 86 international destinations.

The initiative is part of a series of operations by Royal Air Maroc to strengthen its presence in Moroccan airports and contribute to the development of tourism and economic activities. The airline has recently launched routes connecting Casablanca to other Moroccan cities, including Dakhla, Laayoune, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Errachidia, Tan-Tan, and Boulmane.

Key points

  • The new direct air route between Casablanca and Essaouira aims to boost tourism and economic development in the region.
  • The route will operate with two weekly flights, offering a subsidized fare of 400 dirhams for the one-way economic class ticket.
  • The launch of this route is part of Royal Air Maroc's 2030 strategy to enhance domestic air connectivity and make air travel more accessible to Moroccan citizens.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.