Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s national airline, is embarking on one of its most ambitious network expansions in recent years. Beginning in October 2025, the carrier will resume several high-demand routes between Marrakech and key French cities — Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes, and Toulouse — with twice-weekly Boeing 737-800 services.
This move reflects Morocco’s ongoing strategy to deepen its connectivity with France, which was the country’s largest source market for international arrivals in 2024, accounting for 27.5% of all foreign visitors according to Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism. With demand for Morocco’s cultural, historical, and beach destinations soaring, RAM’s expansion is set to capture a larger share of European leisure and business travelers.
Boosted Frequencies on Popular French Routes
Alongside these resumed services, Royal Air Maroc is increasing flight frequencies on existing high-traffic routes. The Marrakech–Paris Charles de Gaulle route will see a significant boost, ramping up to daily flights during the 2025–2026 holiday season, while Marrakech–Marseille flights will also operate more frequently.
These enhancements cater to growing two-way traffic between Morocco and France, driven by both Moroccan diaspora travel and a surge in French tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences, desert adventures, and coastal escapes.
Casablanca Hub Expands with New International Routes
The airline’s expansion isn’t limited to France. Starting 17 September 2025, Royal Air Maroc will inaugurate twice-weekly flights from Casablanca to Zurich (Switzerland) and Ndjamena (Chad), opening new leisure and business corridors.
Just one day later, on 18 September, the carrier will launch flights to Sal Island in Cape Verde, a growing hotspot for adventure seekers and luxury travelers. This will be followed by the addition of Munich (Germany) to the network on 20 October 2025, strengthening Morocco’s ties with one of Europe’s most important tourism and trade markets.
These routes will enhance Casablanca’s position as a strategic connecting hub for passengers traveling between Africa, Europe, and beyond.
Fleet Modernisation: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Advantage
To support this wave of new and resumed services, Royal Air Maroc is expanding its fleet with five new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, bringing the total to seven. These aircraft join RAM’s 28 Boeing 737-800s and are specifically suited for medium-haul operations, offering fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and upgraded passenger comfort.
The MAX 8’s lower operational costs and extended range make it an ideal fit for RAM’s growing Europe-Africa network, allowing the airline to operate profitable services even on niche routes while supporting its environmental sustainability goals.
Strengthening Morocco’s Role in Regional and Global Tourism
By increasing frequencies to France and launching new destinations across Europe and Africa, RAM is reinforcing Morocco’s role as a gateway between continents. These developments come at a crucial time: Morocco’s tourism industry is experiencing a strong rebound, with the Ministry of Tourism targeting over 17 million international visitors by 2026.
The new routes will directly contribute to regional economies in both Morocco and its partner destinations, boosting hotel occupancy rates, creating tourism-related jobs, and enhancing business travel opportunities.
Post-Pandemic Demand Driving Strategic Growth
Global tourism trends show a strong preference for direct, nonstop flights that reduce travel time and simplify international journeys. Royal Air Maroc’s strategy addresses this demand by:
- Increasing nonstop connectivity to key European capitals and regional hubs.
- Offering competitive schedules that align with holiday periods and peak travel seasons.
- Modernising its fleet for better in-flight comfort and efficiency.
By focusing on both leisure travelers and business passengers, RAM is ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to network expansion.
Economic and Cultural Impact
These expansions will not only improve Morocco’s accessibility but also foster cultural exchange and bilateral trade. The French market remains vital for Moroccan tourism, while new links to Switzerland, Germany, and Cape Verde diversify Morocco’s visitor profile. Additionally, direct flights to Ndjamena strengthen economic partnerships within Africa, supporting Morocco’s position as an aviation leader on the continent.
Looking Ahead: Royal Air Maroc’s Long-Term Vision
Royal Air Maroc’s growth aligns with Morocco’s broader tourism development plans, including infrastructure upgrades at Marrakech Menara Airport and Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. The airline is also working to expand its codeshare agreements with global partners, giving passengers even more travel options.
As demand for culturally rich, easily accessible destinations grows, RAM’s expanded network will be a major asset for Morocco’s tourism sector. Whether travelers are heading for Marrakech’s vibrant souks, Casablanca’s business districts, or Morocco’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, these new connections make the journey faster, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Conclusion:
Royal Air Maroc’s decision to resume French routes, boost flight frequencies, and open new European and African connections marks a bold step in strengthening Morocco’s position on the global travel map. Backed by a modernised fleet and strategic growth vision, the airline is poised to play a central role in meeting the rising demand for seamless, sustainable, and culturally enriching travel experiences.
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