Casablanca – Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is preparing a significant expansion of its international network in 2026, marking one of the most ambitious growth phases in the airline’s recent history. Through the launch of multiple new direct routes and the reinforcement of several existing long-haul services, the national carrier aims to consolidate Casablanca’s role as a strategic aviation hub connecting Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The expansion plan reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Morocco’s air connectivity, support tourism and trade flows, and respond to growing demand from both leisure and business travelers, as well as from the Moroccan diaspora. By combining new medium-haul destinations with landmark long-haul routes, Royal Air Maroc is positioning itself to play a more prominent role in intercontinental air transport.

New medium-haul routes from Casablanca

A key component of the 2026 expansion involves the launch of several new medium-haul routes departing from Casablanca, Royal Air Maroc’s main hub. Starting in April 2026, the airline plans to open five new direct connections linking Casablanca to Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo, Tripoli in Libya, Beirut in Lebanon, and the Spanish cities of Bilbao and Alicante.

These routes are designed to enhance connectivity between Morocco and diverse regions, including Central Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. The addition of Pointe-Noire strengthens links with Central African markets, while Tripoli and Beirut reconnect Casablanca with important political, economic, and cultural centers in the Arab world. The Spanish destinations of Bilbao and Alicante further expand Royal Air Maroc’s footprint in Spain, a market that plays a central role in tourism, trade, and diaspora travel.

The airline also plans to continue expanding its European network beyond these initial additions. In June 2026, a new direct route between Casablanca and Palma is scheduled to open, reinforcing RAM’s presence in the Spanish market. Italy will also see further growth with the launch of a Casablanca–Verona service from June 20, 2026, adding to an already extensive Italian network that includes Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples, Catania, Turin, and Venice. In France, Royal Air Maroc is set to open a new Casablanca–Lille route in July 2026, strengthening connections with a key market for both tourism and the Moroccan community abroad.

Landmark long-haul developments

Alongside the expansion of its medium-haul network, Royal Air Maroc is making notable moves on the long-haul front. Two major routes stand out in the airline’s 2026 plans: Casablanca–Saint Petersburg and Casablanca–Los Angeles.

The Casablanca–Saint Petersburg route is scheduled to launch in January 2026, restoring direct air connectivity between Morocco and one of Eastern Europe’s major cities. This service is expected to serve both tourism and business travel, while also offering new transit opportunities through Casablanca for passengers traveling between Russia and Africa.

Even more significant is the planned launch of the Casablanca–Los Angeles route on June 7, 2026. This service will represent the first direct air link between Africa and the U.S. Pacific Coast, with a flight time of around 12 hours. Operated using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the route will initially be offered three times per week. The addition of Los Angeles marks a major milestone in Royal Air Maroc’s long-haul development and underscores the airline’s ambition to expand its presence in the North American market.

Increased frequencies and fleet growth

Beyond the opening of new routes, Royal Air Maroc plans to increase flight frequencies on several strategic long-haul destinations in 2026. These include São Paulo, Miami, Washington, and Dubai, all of which are key markets for international connectivity and transit traffic through Casablanca.

This expansion is supported by the gradual growth and modernization of the airline’s fleet. Since 2023, Royal Air Maroc has taken delivery of around ten new aircraft and has opened close to twenty international routes. The integration of new-generation aircraft is expected to continue, allowing the airline to support its network growth while improving operational efficiency.

The newer aircraft will also contribute to an enhanced passenger experience, with modernized cabins, improved comfort, and upgraded onboard services. According to the airline, these improvements are intended to align its product with the most demanding international standards, particularly on long-haul flights.

Strategic positioning of Casablanca as a hub

At the core of Royal Air Maroc’s expansion strategy is the ambition to strengthen Casablanca’s position as a major air hub between continents. By offering a wider range of direct destinations and improved connections through its hub, the airline aims to attract more transit passengers traveling between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

This hub-based strategy is closely aligned with Morocco’s broader economic and tourism objectives. Improved air connectivity is seen as a key lever for boosting tourism arrivals, facilitating trade, and enhancing the country’s integration into global value chains. The expansion of Royal Air Maroc’s network is therefore not only a corporate growth initiative but also part of a wider national vision for international openness and competitiveness.

Outlook for 2026

With the launch of at least nine new routes, increased frequencies on several key long-haul services, and the continued expansion and modernization of its fleet, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for Royal Air Maroc. The airline’s network strategy reflects a balanced approach, combining the strengthening of regional connectivity with ambitious intercontinental growth.

Now that ticket sales for the new destinations are underway, attention is turning to market reception and to how effectively Royal Air Maroc can leverage its expanded network to further consolidate its role as a strategic air bridge between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.