Rabat – Morocco has launched a new direct flight route between Casablanca and Essaouira to improve domestic air connectivity and support tourism and economic development in the coastal city.
Royal Air Maroc inaugurated the new route on Wednesday in Essaouira. The flight will officially enter service on November 1, with two weekly round trips. The flights will offer a fixed, subsidized economy fare of MAD 400 (40$) per trip.
Flight schedule
Royal Air Maroc will operate the Casablanca-Essaouira route on Wednesdays and Sundays.
On Wednesdays, flights will depart Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca at 4 p.m. and arrive in Essaouira at 5:20 p.m. The return flight will leave Essaouira at 6 p.m. and arrive in Casablanca at 7:20 p.m.
On Sundays, flights will depart Casablanca at 8:20 a.m. and arrive in Essaouira at 9:40 a.m. Return flights will leave Essaouira at 10:20 a.m. and arrive in Casablanca at 11:40 a.m.
The new route is the result of a partnership between the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, the region’s administration, and Royal Air Maroc.
André Azoulay, Advisor to King Mohammed VI and founding president of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, said the route would help develop tourism, promote Essaouira, and strengthen Morocco’s international profile by showcasing the city’s history, heritage, and cultural identity.
Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said the route forms part of Royal Air Maroc’s strategy toward 2030, which aims to strengthen connections between Casablanca and other Moroccan cities while making air travel more affordable.
Kayouh added that the airline was expanding its presence at airports across the country to support tourism and economic activity. He cited existing routes connecting Casablanca with Dakhla, Laayoune, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Errachidia, Tan-Tan, and Boulemane.
The minister also said the new route could benefit from the expected delivery of new-generation aircraft to Royal Air Maroc, which could reduce the flight time to less than 30 minutes.
Essaouira’s tourism potential
Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Essaouira is known for its historic medina, traditional architecture, fishing port, and long beaches. Its cultural heritage and coastal setting have made it a popular destination for both Moroccan and international visitors.
The city’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is recognized for its distinctive blend of Moroccan and European architectural influences and its historical role as a fortified trading port.
Essaouira also hosts major cultural events, including the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, which attracts performers and visitors from Morocco and abroad.
Several famous movies and shows filmed in the city, including Game of Thrones and The Odyssey.
The new service is also expected to support the city’s tourism sector and wider economic activity.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy Minister Jelloul Charaf, Essaouira Governor Mohamed Rachid, and several local elected officials, regional representatives, and economic stakeholders.
