Casablanca – Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline and Morocco’s leading carrier by passenger volume, has officially announced the opening of its fifth base in Morocco, located at Rabat–Salé Airport. The new base, scheduled to begin operations in April 2026, represents a $200 million investment and will serve as a major boost for air connectivity in the Moroccan capital.

This expansion reflects Ryanair’s long-term strategy to strengthen its presence in North Africa and reinforce Morocco’s role as a growing tourism hub. The new base will host two Boeing 737-8200 aircraft, also known as MAX 8 “Gamechanger” models, and will operate 20 routes, including seven new international connections to key European cities: Milan Bergamo, Baden-Baden, Frankfurt Hahn, Nuremberg, Porto, Pisa, and Valencia. This development will add more than 18 weekly flights from Rabat during its first summer season, representing 79,000 additional seats in the international market and a nearly 50% increase in Ryanair’s operations at Rabat airport.

According to Ryanair, the opening of the Rabat base will increase the airport’s summer capacity by 45%, forming part of the airline’s most ambitious summer program in Morocco to date. Over 13 Moroccan airports will be served in 2026, with more than 10.7 million seats available to passengers traveling to, from, or within the country. The airline’s expansion also supports more than 800 local jobs, including 60 highly skilled positions for pilots and cabin crew, highlighting its contribution to both employment and the aviation sector in Morocco.

Ryanair’s CEO, Eddie Wilson, stated that the new Rabat base brings the airline’s total investment in Morocco to over $1.6 billion. He emphasized that this level of investment supports approximately 8,500 direct and indirect jobs nationwide, further underlining Ryanair’s role as a key contributor to the country’s aviation and tourism ecosystem. “Through our close collaboration with the Moroccan National Tourist Office, we are positioning Rabat as a major destination, highlighting its rich history, cultural heritage, coastline, and vibrant lifestyle,” Wilson said.

The announcement was made in a ceremony attended by Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy. She noted that the new base aligns with the strategic roadmap for tourism, which places air connectivity at the center of the Kingdom’s growth strategy. According to Ammor, the project demonstrates the confidence of international partners in Morocco’s ability to position itself as a world-class tourist destination, while generating measurable economic benefits at the regional level.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) hailed the opening as a key milestone in diversifying the country’s points of entry and strengthening Rabat’s position as a fully-fledged tourist destination. The expansion is seen as integral to Morocco’s air connectivity strategy and its efforts to promote high-potential destinations. According to the ONMT, Rabat possesses the necessary assets to attract European markets, and the new base will support the Kingdom’s preparations for major upcoming international events, including its co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Ryanair has operated in Morocco since 2006, steadily growing its network across the country. By 2024, the airline became Morocco’s leading carrier, transporting 9.1 million passengers compared with 7.4 million for the national airline, Royal Air Maroc. Its presence now spans five bases—Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, and Rabat—supporting the broader objective of boosting low-cost travel options and improving air connectivity across the Kingdom.

The airline’s continued expansion aligns with Morocco’s broader tourism and infrastructure strategy. In 2024, the country welcomed 17.4 million tourists, making it the most visited destination in Africa. Authorities aim to attract 30 million visitors annually by 2030, a target that will require significant enhancements to airport capacity. Passenger handling capabilities across Morocco are expected to more than double by 2029, increasing from 32 million to 74 million passengers. Ryanair’s new Rabat base is therefore a strategic contribution to this growth, offering both additional capacity and competitive low-cost options to support the country’s tourism ambitions.

With its fifth Moroccan base, Ryanair strengthens its network in North Africa, increases competition among carriers including Air Arabia Maroc and Royal Air Maroc, and plays a central role in Morocco’s air connectivity and tourism strategy. By combining additional routes, modern aircraft, and significant investment, the airline aims to position Rabat as a key gateway to Europe and an emerging hub for regional tourism growth.