Morocco's Rising Aviation Market
According to a report by the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA), Morocco is projected to be among the top five aviation markets in Africa by 2026, joining the ranks of Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Kenya. This anticipated growth is linked to an estimated 22.5 million scheduled air seats, fueled by significant expansions in Moroccan airports as the nation prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2030. The strength of Morocco's aviation market is expected to be further enhanced by the Open Skies agreement with the European Union, which facilitates increased international air travel.
The report, titled "Africa in the Air," highlights a notable shift in the aviation landscape, projecting that traditional airlines will offer 9.6 million seats during this period, while low-cost carriers are expected to provide 10.6 million seats. John Grant, a leading analyst, commented that the majority of air traffic in North Africa originates from Europe, with carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet holding significant market shares. He emphasized the potential for growth in the Moroccan market, suggesting that it has not yet reached its full capacity.
Projected Growth in African Air Travel
On a broader scale, the report indicates that a total of 182.4 million seats are expected to depart from African airports between January and October 2026, marking a 13.7% increase compared to 2025. International capacity is predicted to grow by 18.6%, while domestic capacity will see a more modest increase of 3.3%. In addition to Morocco, other countries such as Egypt, with approximately 30.9 million seats, South Africa with 26.8 million, Ethiopia with 17 million, and Kenya with around 10.2 million seats, are also set to dominate the aviation capacity on the continent. Notably, Western Europe continues to be the primary source of international travelers to Africa.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
