In a bold push to expand its presence in North Africa, easyJet has unveiled plans to open its first African base in Marrakech in spring 2026. The airline will station three aircraft permanently at the new base. In its first year, easyJet expects to offer 4 million seats from Marrakech. This move comes as part of a long-term partnership with the Moroccan National Tourism Office, underlining the airline’s commitment to the country and its travel sector.
The new base will also generate about 100 direct jobs and thousands of indirect roles across support services, tourism and ground operations. By doing so, easyJet aims to become the second-largest airline in Marrakech and solidify its wider role in Morocco’s aviation landscape.
New Routes & Expanded Connectivity
easyJet will launch four new routes for the 2026 summer season, bringing its total number of routes to Morocco to 46. Starting May 2026, the airline will connect:
- Hamburg → Marrakech (twice weekly)
- Lille → Marrakech (twice weekly)
- Strasbourg → Marrakech (twice weekly)
In addition, a new Geneva → Tangier service will begin in March 2026. Several existing routes will also see increased frequencies to match rising demand. With 24 routes centered on Marrakech alone, the hub will fast become a major gateway for European visitors.
Strategic Impact on Europe & Morocco
By establishing a base in Marrakech, easyJet will better unlock capacity at slot-constrained European airports. This will allow the airline to route more flights and reduce pressure at its busiest hubs. The expansion strengthens inter-regional connectivity between Europe and Morocco, making travel smoother for holidaymakers, business travellers, and expatriate communities alike.
Over its 20 years in Morocco, easyJet has transported almost 20 million passengers. It already serves five Moroccan airports: Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Essaouira, and Tangier. The new base marks a transition from a seasonal or route network focus to a full operational commitment.
Support for Morocco’s Tourism Ambitions
Morocco’s tourism sector has recorded strong growth. In 2024, visitor arrivals hit a record 17.4 million. Tourism plays a vital role in Morocco’s economy and is one of its top foreign-exchange earners. The government aims to double airport capacity across the country by 2030, including boosting capacity at Marrakech and Agadir, in part to support big upcoming events like the 2030 World Cup.
With deeper air connectivity, Morocco can open itself more widely to European markets. New routes and higher frequencies make it easier to access Marrakech’s historic medinas, desert escapes, coastal resorts, and cultural sites. The influx of more tourists can help raise revenues, diversify regional visitation and support the broader hospitality infrastructure.
Local Economic Ripples
The Marrakech base will have notable local effects. The direct jobs include ground staff, maintenance, crews and administrative support. Indirect roles will emerge in hotels, catering, transport, travel agents, and suppliers. This offers a boost to the regional economy. In addition, enhanced air links can drive investment, international events, and promote under-visited regions across Morocco.
What’s Next & Outlook
The Marrakech base is scheduled to go live in spring 2026, with full year operations by the summer. easyJet plans to fully integrate it into its leisure and business flight offerings and holiday packages. Destinations from Marrakech will grow rapidly, and route frequency will expand accordingly.
This development signals easyJet’s long play in Morocco. Establishing a permanent hub puts the airline in a stronger position to compete and lead air travel between Europe and North Africa. For Morocco, it helps turn ambitious development and tourism targets into reality.
In sum, easyJet’s Marrakech hub and route expansion will reshape travel dynamics in the region. It will forge stronger links between Europe and Morocco, create jobs, and stimulate growth in tourism and related sectors. The airline’s decision positions it as a top partner in Morocco’s path toward becoming a global tourist destination.
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