Casablanca – A new air route was inaugurated on May 14, 2024, with the launch of Air Arabia’s inaugural flight from Amsterdam to Tetouan-Saniat R’mel International Airport, establishing the first direct air link between these two cities.

The Airbus A320, carrying 176 passengers primarily from the Moroccan community in the Netherlands, landed at Tetouan airport, marking the beginning of this new route.

Limouni Hassan, the director of Tetouan airport, emphasized the significance of this new connection, highlighting that the twice-weekly flights to Amsterdam will contribute to the recent growth in air traffic experienced by Tetouan airport.

Tetouan-Saniat R’mel International Airport now offers connectivity to nine European destinations, including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Marseille, Brussels, Charleroi, and Amsterdam. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce a new route to Bilbao by the end of this month.

In 2023, Tetouan airport welcomed 253,552 passengers, representing a notable 35% annual increase. With the addition of new routes like the one to Amsterdam, the airport anticipates hosting over 300,000 passengers in 2024. Passenger traffic in April 2024 alone saw approximately 31,000 passengers, marking a 32% increase compared to April 2023.

To accommodate this growing demand, the National Airports Office (ONDA) has embarked on a comprehensive development project at Tetouan airport. The completed first phase included a new runway capable of accommodating large aircraft and additional parking for medium-sized planes.

The ongoing second phase of development, initiated in March, involves constructing a new terminal with a capacity for 900,000 passengers annually and a new control tower to support the airport’s continued expansion and development.

The establishment of this new direct air route between Tetouan and Amsterdam not only enhances connectivity for travelers but also underscores the commitment to improving air transport infrastructure to meet growing demands and promote economic and cultural exchanges between Morocco and Europe.