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Rabat – Moroccan airports welcomed nearly 25 million passengers in the first 11 months of 2023, representing a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2019 and a remarkable 34% surge from 2022.
The National Airports Office highlighted the positive trend in a statement, emphasizing substantial growth rates across various airports compared to 2019.
Leading the pack in passenger growth were airports in cities like Tetouan (+506%), Essaouira (+54%), Tangier (+42%), Nador (+34%), and Oujda (+33%). Major hubs such as Fes-Saïss and Agadir airports also experienced significant increases at 22% and 13%, respectively.
The resurgence in air travel can be attributed to the resumption of many flights that were suspended during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, the creation of new airline routes has played a pivotal role in boosting tourism in the country.
Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, a key hub, achieved an impressive 95% recovery rate during the first 11 months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2019, hosting nearly nine million passengers.
Simultaneously, international air travel saw a 10% increase compared to the first 11 months of 2019 and an even more substantial 35% rise from the corresponding period in 2022, with a total of more than 22 million passengers.
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This positive trend is largely driven by air travel with Europe, accounting for more than 18 million passengers, reflecting a 14% increase from 2019 and a significant 34% rise from 2022.
The market witnessed the introduction of several new airline routes, contributing to the surge.
The upward trend also extends to air travel with North America and Africa, with growth rates of 17% and 7%, respectively, during the first 11 months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019.
November alone saw Moroccan airports welcoming million 2.1 passengers, representing a 6% increase compared to the same month in 2019 and a 10% rise from 2022.
This substantial growth in air travel aligns with a broader tourism boom in Morocco throughout the year, showcasing the country’s resilience and attractiveness as a travel destination.
The National Tourism Office’s (ONMT) efforts to enhance connectivity, establish new air routes, and forge partnerships with tourism and travel actors have proven instrumental in revitalizing the tourism sector and fostering economic recovery.
