As of July 16, 2026, Morocco is making significant strides in the African aviation market, rapidly climbing the ranks to establish itself among the continent's leading air travel hubs. With an impressive 2.18 million scheduled seats in July, Morocco has recorded a remarkable 10.4% year-on-year increase, according to data from the global aviation scheduling specialist OAG. This surge, fueled by the expanding operations of Royal Air Maroc and the growing capacities of airports in Casablanca and Marrakech, positions the kingdom firmly in third place among African nations, surpassing Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Algeria.
Morocco's ascent in the aviation sector is particularly noteworthy as it narrows the gap with South Africa, which currently holds the title of the second-largest air travel market on the continent with 2.38 million scheduled seats. The difference of just 198,000 seats highlights Morocco's aggressive growth trajectory, with a staggering addition of nearly 206,000 seats in the past year compared to South Africa's 126,000. If this trend continues, Morocco is on track to potentially overtake South Africa in the near future.
Royal Air Maroc's Expanding Influence
The backbone of Morocco's aviation growth is Royal Air Maroc, which plans to offer 852,300 seats in July 2026—an increase of 120,100 seats from the previous year. This 16.4% rise in capacity outpaces the overall market growth, helping RAM secure its position as the fourth-largest airline in Africa, trailing behind Ethiopian Airlines, Safair, and Egyptair, with only 18,500 seats separating it from the latter. The Moroccan airports are also benefitting from this growth, with Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport ranking fourth in Africa, boasting nearly 790,000 scheduled seats, a 13% increase, while Marrakech has entered the top ten with approximately 470,000 seats and a 9% growth rate.
With these developments, the Moroccan aviation sector is gearing up for a robust summer in 2026, with Royal Air Maroc planning an ambitious schedule that includes nearly 8.2 million seats and 86 destinations, reflecting a commitment to facilitate travel for Moroccan expatriates and tourists alike. This strategic expansion showcases Morocco's determination to enhance its presence in the African and global aviation landscape.
As reported by bladi.net.
