Canadian airline Air Transat is set to introduce a weekly non-stop flight every Friday between Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Agadir-Al Massira Airport (AGA). This new route, celebrated in the Old Port by the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), provides an additional coastal gateway to Morocco alongside Marrakech and Casablanca. With projections estimating 258,304 visitors from Canada by 2025, the market has already recorded 75,839 arrivals by the end of April.
The ONMT hosted a gathering in Montreal that brought together Air Transat representatives, tourism and hotel officials from Agadir, Canadian tour operators, travel advisors, media personnel, and government officials. Notable attendees included Souriya Otmani, the Moroccan Ambassador to Canada, delegates from Global Affairs Canada, and the Federation Forum, all coming together to celebrate the inaugural non-stop flight connecting Montreal and Agadir, aimed at establishing the first direct air link between North America and Morocco's Atlantic coast.
Siham Fettouhi, the Executive Director for North America at ONMT, described this launch as a "strategic milestone for Morocco," signaling a deepening cultural connection between Morocco and Canada based on shared values and experiences. She emphasized that with Agadir now more accessible than ever, the goal is to attract more Canadian travelers eager to explore the enchanting Moroccan coastline.
The event was infused with Moroccan hospitality, featuring traditional hand massages with argan oil, tastings of amlou, fresh juices, and artisanal ice creams flavored with argan oil, dates, orange blossom, and verbena. The ambiance was designed to transport guests to Agadir, a city known for its perpetual sunshine, expansive beaches, Atlantic surfing, and modern hotel infrastructures.
Connecting North America to Morocco's Coastal Treasures
This new flight complements Air Transat's annual Montreal-Marrakech route and adds to the offerings of Royal Air Maroc (RAM), which operates flights between Montreal, Toronto, and Casablanca. This expansion provides multiple entry points for the Canadian market into Morocco. The surge in arrivals underscores the commercial significance of this decision, with a 29% increase year-on-year, followed by an 8% rise in the first four months of the year.
The launch of this route coincides with Morocco's preparations for significant international events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host with Spain and Portugal. It also extends Morocco's aviation policy, positioning the Kingdom among the African countries best connected to major emitting markets in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Beyond Canada, Casablanca remains RAM's long-haul hub, offering non-stop services to New York, Washington, Miami, São Paulo, and several West African cities. Additionally, Morocco's European network connects Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, Fez, Rabat, Tangier, and Essaouira to various markets through airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, TUI, Vueling, Air France, British Airways, and Iberia.
As reported by barlamane.com.
