Casablanca – Morocco has taken a new step in reinforcing its international air connectivity with the inauguration of EasyJet’s first operational base in Africa, located at Marrakech Menara Airport. The initiative, led in partnership with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), reflects a broader strategy to support tourism growth and expand access to key European markets.

The newly launched base, officially inaugurated on April 15, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between ONMT and the low-cost airline. It is part of a strategic agreement signed in late 2025 aimed at enhancing Morocco’s attractiveness as a global travel destination while diversifying its tourism flows.

At the core of the project is the deployment of three aircraft permanently stationed in Marrakech. This operational setup will allow EasyJet to offer up to 4 million seats annually from the first year of activity. The increase in capacity is expected to play a central role in facilitating higher tourist arrivals, particularly from Europe, which remains Morocco’s primary source market.

The expansion also includes the launch of multiple new air routes. In total, six additional connections are planned, significantly increasing the airline’s network between Morocco and major European cities. Among the new routes scheduled, three will begin in winter 2026, linking Marrakech with Prague, Newcastle, and Zurich. In spring 2026, further connections will be introduced, including Nantes to Essaouira, Bordeaux to Agadir, and Birmingham to Agadir.

In parallel, EasyJet is strengthening its existing operations by extending several seasonal routes into year-round services. Destinations such as Lille, Strasbourg, and Hamburg will now benefit from continuous connectivity, improving travel consistency and supporting sustained tourism demand throughout the year.

Earlier expansion plans also highlighted additional summer routes, including connections from Hamburg, Lille, and Strasbourg to Marrakech, as well as a route linking Geneva with Tangier. These developments illustrate the airline’s ongoing effort to broaden its European network and enhance Morocco’s accessibility.

With these additions, EasyJet’s total number of routes to Morocco continues to grow, while its presence now spans five key airports: Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Essaouira, and Tangier. The airline has strengthened its position as a major carrier in the Moroccan market, ranking among the top operators in terms of passenger traffic and international connectivity.

The economic impact of the Marrakech base is expected to be immediate and multifaceted. The project will generate around 100 direct jobs, including operational and technical roles, alongside thousands of indirect employment opportunities across tourism, aviation services, and related sectors. Each aircraft stationed at the base is also associated with substantial added value for the local economy, contributing to broader regional development.

Officials emphasize that the expansion aligns with Morocco’s national tourism roadmap, which places strong emphasis on improving air transport capacity as a driver of growth. Enhanced connectivity is seen as essential to increasing visitor numbers, extending average stays, and encouraging travel beyond traditional destinations.

Marrakech, already one of the country’s leading tourist hubs, is expected to benefit significantly from this development. In recent years, the city has recorded sustained growth in visitor arrivals, supported by infrastructure upgrades and expanded flight options. The new EasyJet base is likely to reinforce this trend while also encouraging the distribution of tourists to other regions such as Agadir and Essaouira through improved domestic and international links.

The initiative also includes the expansion of EasyJet Holidays, the airline’s tour operating arm, which now offers more than 70 accommodation options in Marrakech. This integrated approach aims to combine air transport with packaged travel services, further enhancing the destination’s competitiveness.

EasyJet’s long-standing presence in Morocco provides a strong foundation for this expansion. Since entering the market in 2006, the airline has transported nearly 20 million passengers to and from the country. Over time, it has played an increasing role in promoting Morocco’s tourism offering and supporting regional connectivity.

The launch of the Marrakech base comes at a time when Morocco is pursuing ambitious aviation targets. The country handled more than 36 million passengers in 2025 and aims to significantly expand its air transport capacity by the end of the decade. Investments in airport infrastructure, airline partnerships, and route development are central to achieving these objectives.

The establishment of EasyJet’s first African base in Marrakech represents a strategic advancement for Morocco’s tourism and aviation sectors. By increasing seat capacity, expanding route networks, and strengthening partnerships with international carriers, the country is positioning itself for more sustained and diversified growth in global travel markets.