Morocco’s Flagship Airline Plans 2026 Expansion as World Cup Momentum Builds
Morocco’s flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc, is embarking on a major expansion of its international flight network as it prepares for a pivotal World Cup year. The airline is advancing its long-term plan to position Casablanca as a global aviation hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
From 2026, the airline has announced it will launch a new wave of direct routes across three continents, marking one of the most ambitious growth phases in its history. The expansion comes as global tourism demand continues to recover and as Morocco steps into the international spotlight ahead of major sporting events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Royal Air Maroc Chief Executive Officer Hamid Addou said the upcoming route launches represent a defining moment in the airline’s development. Since 2023, the carrier has taken delivery of around ten additional aircraft, strengthened frequencies on several strategic destinations, and opened nearly twenty international routes.
In 2026, the airline plans to add at least ten more destinations, further reinforcing Morocco’s connectivity with key global cities while supporting tourism and economic growth.
Building Casablanca into a global hub
Casablanca sits at the center of Royal Air Maroc’s expansion strategy. By widening its route network and increasing capacity on existing services, the airline aims to strengthen Mohammed V International Airport’s role as a competitive hub for intercontinental traffic. Its geographic position allows the carrier to efficiently link Africa with Europe and the Americas, a role Royal Air Maroc intends to deepen as new routes and frequencies come online.
The expansion focuses on reinforcing medium-haul services across Europe and Africa while extending long-haul routes to high-potential markets.
A flagship example of this strategy is the launch of a nonstop Casablanca–Los Angeles service in June 2026. Operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, the route will become the first direct air link between Africa and the U.S. West Coast, highlighting the airline’s growing transatlantic ambitions and Casablanca’s rising hub status.
Alongside new destinations, Royal Air Maroc is set to increase frequencies on several long-haul routes, particularly to the Americas and the Middle East. These capacity increases are designed to improve connectivity and offer smoother transfer options for passengers traveling through Casablanca.
Tourism boom and global positioning
The airline’s expansion aligns closely with Morocco’s tourism surge. The country welcomed a record 14.5 million visitors in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and tourism continued to grow strongly in 2024, with arrivals exceeding 17 million, according to official figures. Tourism now contributes around 7% of Morocco’s GDP directly and supports millions of jobs across hospitality, transport, and services.
The timing of the network’s growth is also closely aligned with anticipated surges in global travel demand linked to major international events. The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is expected to drive increased transatlantic traffic, while preparations for the 2030 tournament are already shaping long-term aviation and tourism strategies in Morocco.
To support its growing network, the airline is introducing new long-haul aircraft with upgraded cabins, improved comfort, and enhanced onboard connectivity, aligning its product with international standards. These upgrades form part of a long-term plan to expand the fleet from around 60 aircraft today to as many as 200 by 2037.
As Morocco continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism and business map, Royal Air Maroc’s expansion underscores the airline’s evolving role as both a national carrier and a strategic economic tool. By deepening connectivity and scaling up its Casablanca hub, the airline is positioning itself at the center of Morocco’s rise as a global destination during a defining decade for the country.
