New EasyJet Base Marks Significant Development for Moroccan Tourism
The Moroccan National Tourism Office has taken a monumental step in enhancing the tourism landscape of the country with the recent launch of a new EasyJet base in Marrakech. According to a statement received by Le360, this base represents the airline's first presence in Africa and serves as a vital operational lever for the development of the destination. With three aircraft stationed in Marrakech, the base will offer an impressive capacity of up to 4 million seats in its inaugural year, significantly boosting air traffic towards the kingdom and supporting the growth of key tourist markets.
The inauguration of this base took place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Marrakech Menara Airport, attended by Achraf Faida, the Director General of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, and Kenton Jarvis, the General Manager of EasyJet. The establishment of this new base will allow EasyJet to expand its service offerings to Morocco substantially. The airline plans to introduce six new routes, bringing the total number of flights connecting the kingdom to its major tourist-exporting markets to 58.
Expanded Flight Options and Economic Impact
Starting in Winter 2026, EasyJet will launch three new routes linking Marrakech to Prague, Newcastle, and Zurich. Additionally, during Spring 2026, three more routes will be introduced, connecting Nantes to Essaouira, Bordeaux to Agadir, and Birmingham to Agadir. According to the statement, several existing routes from Marrakech will operate year-round, particularly to Lille, Strasbourg, and Hamburg, thereby providing sustainable air connectivity.
This development grants EasyJet the ability to serve five Moroccan airports, namely Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Essaouira, and Tangier. This solidifies its position as the leading airline connecting Morocco with the United Kingdom and Switzerland, and it ranks as the third-largest airline operating in the kingdom. The statement also highlighted the immediate regional impact, indicating that the establishment of this base will create approximately 100 direct jobs, alongside numerous indirect employment opportunities, while invigorating the local tourism ecosystem.
Furthermore, this initiative is part of the ongoing strategic partnership signed in the fall of 2025 between the Moroccan National Tourism Office and EasyJet, which aims to sustainably enhance Morocco's air connectivity, diversify markets, and support balanced tourism growth. The partnership also includes the development of EasyJet Holidays, offering over 70 hotel options in Marrakech.
Since its entry into the Moroccan market in 2006, EasyJet has transported nearly 20 million passengers to the kingdom and currently services five major airports: Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Essaouira, and Tangier. This active engagement plays a significant role in enhancing local potential and diversifying tourism offerings. In conclusion, by bolstering capabilities, stabilizing air connectivity, and expanding market reach, the Moroccan National Tourism Office is laying the groundwork for a more organized and sustainable tourism development, ultimately serving a strong and enduring tourism performance.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
