Casablanca – Spanish airline Air Europa has announced the launch of a new seasonal air route connecting Madrid and Tangier, further strengthening air links between Spain and northern Morocco ahead of the 2026 summer travel season. The new service is scheduled to begin on June 17 and will operate initially with three weekly flights.

According to the airline’s summer schedule, the Madrid–Tangier route will see a gradual increase in capacity during peak demand. In August, frequencies will rise to five flights per week in response to higher passenger volumes typically recorded during the height of the summer holiday period. The route is expected to remain operational until mid-September.

The introduction of this connection reflects sustained growth in travel flows between Spain and Morocco, particularly along the Spain–northern Morocco corridor. Tangier has continued to consolidate its position as both a tourism destination and an economic hub, supported by expanding infrastructure, port activity, and increasing international visitor numbers. Improved air connectivity is seen as a key factor in supporting these trends, particularly during the summer months when demand from the Moroccan diaspora and European tourists rises significantly.

The new Tangier service forms part of Air Europa’s broader summer expansion strategy from its Madrid hub. The airline has confirmed the resumption of several seasonal routes to Mediterranean and North African destinations, including Marrakech, Tunis, Athens, and Alghero. These routes are being reintroduced to accommodate the seasonal surge in leisure travel and visiting-friends-and-relatives (VFR) traffic.

In Morocco, Marrakech will also benefit from increased connectivity. The Madrid–Marrakech route is set to resume in early April with two weekly rotations. During July and August, frequencies will increase to five flights per week to meet peak summer demand. After the high season, service will be scaled back to two weekly flights and maintained at that level until mid-October.

Overall, Air Europa’s summer program across these destinations will account for more than 700 round-trip flights, representing an additional capacity of approximately 130,000 seats. The airline’s expanded offering underscores its focus on key tourist markets and its strategy of adjusting frequencies in line with seasonal demand patterns.

Industry observers note that Morocco continues to represent a strategic market for Spanish carriers due to geographic proximity, strong bilateral ties, and the presence of a large Moroccan community in Spain. The summer period typically sees heightened traffic between the two countries, driven by tourism, family visits, and business travel. Airlines have increasingly adapted their capacity planning to capture this demand, particularly on routes linking Madrid and major Moroccan cities.

Tangier’s growing appeal is supported by ongoing urban development projects, expanding hospitality infrastructure, and its role as a gateway to northern Morocco. The city has attracted rising interest from European travelers seeking coastal tourism, cultural experiences, and short-haul city breaks. Enhanced air access is expected to contribute further to this momentum.

Meanwhile, Marrakech remains one of Morocco’s leading leisure destinations and continues to generate significant international air traffic. Seasonal adjustments to flight frequencies reflect consistent demand patterns, with peak activity concentrated in the summer months.

Air Europa’s latest expansion follows a broader trend among European carriers increasing capacity to Mediterranean destinations in anticipation of a strong 2026 summer season. Airlines are positioning themselves to capitalize on resilient leisure travel demand, particularly on short- and medium-haul routes within Europe and North Africa.

By adding the Tangier route and reinforcing connections to Marrakech and other Mediterranean cities, Air Europa is seeking to strengthen its competitive position in markets characterized by seasonal demand fluctuations. The airline’s approach combines targeted frequency increases during peak months with flexible scheduling to optimize aircraft utilization outside the high season.

The expansion of routes between Madrid and Moroccan cities also contributes to broader efforts to enhance economic and tourism exchanges between the two countries. Air connectivity plays a central role in facilitating trade, investment, and mobility, particularly during the summer period when passenger volumes traditionally reach their highest levels.

With more than 700 round-trip flights scheduled and around 130,000 additional seats made available, Air Europa’s summer program signals expectations of sustained demand growth in 2026. The new Madrid–Tangier service, in particular, represents a further step in reinforcing direct links between Spain’s capital and northern Morocco, positioning Tangier more firmly within the network of key seasonal destinations served from Madrid.