Casablanca – In a landmark move for both the airline and the African aviation market, British low-cost carrier EasyJet has announced the opening of its first operational base in Africa, located in Marrakech, set to become fully operational in spring 2026. This expansion marks a significant step in the airline’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in Morocco and enhance connectivity between the Kingdom and Europe.

The Marrakech base, developed in partnership with the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), will host three Airbus A320 aircraft and operate year-round, allowing EasyJet to offer an estimated 4 million seats in its first year — a record for the airline on the continent. The base is expected to create approximately 100 direct jobs and several thousand indirect positions across aviation, tourism, maintenance, and service sectors, reflecting the broader economic benefits of the project.

This expansion is part of a long-term strategic partnership with ONMT aimed at consolidating Morocco’s position as a key destination for leisure and business travel from Europe. Marrakech, already EasyJet’s second-largest destination in Morocco, will now serve as a hub connecting more European cities, increasing both passenger volume and air traffic to the Kingdom. The new base also reinforces EasyJet’s standing as the second-largest airline in Marrakech and the third-largest in Morocco overall.

New routes and increased connectivity

To support the launch of its Marrakech base, EasyJet will introduce four new routes to Morocco starting in summer 2026, expanding its European network and offering more choices for travelers. These routes include:

  • Hamburg – Marrakech: starting May 1, 2026, with two weekly flights (Tuesday and Friday)
  • Lille – Marrakech: starting May 3, 2026, with two weekly flights (Wednesday and Sunday), a route also served by competitors including TUI Airlines Belgium, Transavia France, and Volotea
  • Strasbourg – Marrakech: starting May 3, 2026, with two weekly flights, facing no direct competition
  • Geneva – Tangier: starting March 30, 2026, with two weekly flights, operating as an exclusive connection

With these additions, EasyJet will operate a total of 46 routes to Morocco, connecting five airports — Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Essaouira, and Tangier — to approximately 25 European cities. Several existing routes will also see increased frequency, improving accessibility and strengthening the airline’s competitive position.

Morocco: A fast-growing market for EasyJet

EasyJet has been present in Morocco since 2006, transporting nearly 20 million passengers over the past 20 years. According to CEO Kenton Jarvis, Morocco is the airline’s fastest-growing market outside Europe and represents a key destination for both leisure and business travelers, as well as for the EasyJet Holidays segment. The new Marrakech base will allow the airline to increase capacity from crowded European airports and offer competitive fares, further boosting passenger numbers and tourism flows to the Kingdom.

The development comes at a pivotal moment for Morocco, which is actively working to reach 26 million international visitors by 2030. Through partnerships with major European airlines, including Ryanair, Transavia, and now EasyJet, Morocco is expanding its international connectivity, particularly with key markets in France, Switzerland, and Germany. The Marrakech base will serve as a regional hub, enhancing both business and leisure travel and supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic and tourism objectives.

Economic and strategic impact

Beyond passenger numbers, EasyJet’s new base is expected to stimulate local employment and support the aviation ecosystem, generating opportunities in airport operations, maintenance, tourism services, and hospitality. It also strengthens Morocco’s position as a strategic hub for European airlines seeking access to Africa, reinforcing Marrakech’s role as a crossroads for tourism and business travel.

In addition to improving air connectivity, the expansion reflects EasyJet’s confidence in Morocco’s long-term market potential. By increasing the number of routes and available seats, the airline ensures that Moroccan travelers, as well as European visitors, have greater access to affordable and flexible travel options.

With the opening of its first African base in Marrakech, EasyJet not only marks a milestone in its own international growth but also contributes to boosting Morocco’s tourism, creating jobs, and reinforcing its role as a regional aviation hub. The move is set to transform air travel dynamics in the Kingdom, positioning Marrakech as a key gateway between Europe and Africa for years to come.