Marrakech Takes the Lead in International Air Traffic
As of mid-2026, the bustling city of Marrakech has made a remarkable leap in the realm of international air travel, overtaking Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport in terms of international passenger numbers. Although Casablanca remains the primary airport in Morocco for total travelers, with a staggering 5,756,388 passengers recorded in the first half of 2026, Marrakech-Ménara Airport has distinguished itself by welcoming 5,392,236 international travelers during the same period. This impressive statistic reflects a difference of 234,977 passengers in favor of Marrakech, according to the latest data from the National Airports Office (ONDA) published in June 2026.
While Casablanca retains its position as the top airport overall, the dynamics shift significantly when focusing solely on international flights. Marrakech's recent growth is attributed to a surge in its international traffic, which has seen an increase of 9.81%, compared to Casablanca's 10.10%. However, the narrative changes dramatically with domestic flights, where Casablanca remains dominant, processing 599,129 national passengers against Marrakech's 244,540. This illustrates a notable gap of 354,589 travelers, underscoring the importance of domestic routes for Casablanca’s overall performance.
The overall statistics indicate a vibrant growth in both airports, yet Marrakech's ascent in international traffic signals a shift in the travel landscape of Morocco. The capital of tourism is benefiting from a robust increase in national traffic, with a remarkable rise of 25.39%, significantly outpacing Casablanca’s growth of 10.43%. These trends suggest a promising outlook for Marrakech as it continues to evolve into a pivotal hub for international travelers seeking to explore the richness of Moroccan culture and heritage.
As reported by bladi.net.
