In new horizons for travel to Morocco, two airports will receive service from Europe and North America.
A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 landing. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Morocco is emerging as a focal point for global travel, with two significant introductions marking its importance as a sought-after destination. Ryanair has inaugurated a nonstop flight route from Cologne/Bonn Airport to Agadir, while Air Transat is set to introduce its first African route, connecting Montreal to Marrakesh, solidifying the North American carrier’s entry into the African continent.
Ryanair’s commencement of flights from Cologne/Bonn Airport to Agadir began with the first flight on October 29. The Irish airline plans biweekly flights to the Moroccan port city, scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays, departing from Cologne/Bonn on Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and Sundays at 7:35 a.m., with return trips on the same days from Agadir.
Thilo Schmid, CEO of Cologne/Bonn Airport, expressed enthusiasm, emphasizing Agadir’s appeal to travelers seeking sun-soaked beaches and modern amenities.
Agadir, situated on Morocco’s southwest coast along the Atlantic Ocean, allures visitors with its array of contemporary hotels, expansive boulevards, and ample opportunities for water sports. Moreover, it serves as a gateway to traditional villages, offering diverse travel experiences beyond beach holidays. The flights, operated by a Boeing 737-800, maintain a four-hour travel duration.
Simultaneously, Air Transat announced its groundbreaking venture, unveiling a year-round service between Montreal and Marrakesh, commencing from June 14, 2024 and operating twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays until October 24. The route will continue with a weekly flight on Saturdays until April 20, 2025.
The airline’s introduction of the nonstop route is strategically targeted to accommodate both VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) traffic and leisure passengers. The move is notably significant given Montreal’s substantial Moroccan community, with nearly half residing in the city.
Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Air Transat, highlighted the milestone achievement in expanding the carrier’s network by adding Marrakesh as its inaugural African destination. The service, utilizing Airbus A321LR aircraft, is set for twice-weekly operations during the summer months, and once a week during the winter, further reinforcing Air Transat’s commitment to enhancing its transatlantic offerings.
With Air Transat poised to become the exclusive North American airline operating a direct service to Marrakesh, the airline stands at the forefront of connecting the continents and bridging diverse cultures. The Montreal-Marrakesh route is projected to not only fulfill the travel demand for the Moroccan community in Montreal but also captivate the interest of leisure travelers intrigued by Marrakesh’s distinctive appeal.
This venture not only symbolizes an expanded network for Air Transat but also holds promising prospects for Moroccan tourism. Adel El Fakir, CEO of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, expressed enthusiasm about the new route and the possibilities it opens for travelers, extending beyond Marrakesh to explore the coastal resorts and southern regions of Morocco.
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