Rabat – Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair is eyeing the Moroccan domestic market as the country prepares to host the 2030 World Cup in its joint bid with Spain and Portugal.
Ryanair already operates flights to and from Morocco, with Marrakech as the main destination.
Converging reports indicate that the carrier is now looking to enter Morocco’s domestic market as of 2024, ahead of the expected rise in demand that would coincide with the 2030 World Cup.
According to a report from Bloomberg Asharq Al Awsat, Ryanair has already submitted an official request to the Moroccan relevant authorities. The decision is expected to be announced in the following few months.
If Ryanair gains access to the country’s domestic market it would mark the first of low-cost carriers, as the market is currently served by national carrier Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia Maroc, the low-cost subsidiary of Air Arabia.
Al-Sharq reported that Zoubir Bouhout, a tourism sector expert, believes Ryanair’s arrival in the market could bolster Morocco’s tourism ambitions.
The plan aims to boost domestic travel and industry revenues by prioritizing air transport improvement.
Morocco aims to boost inbound tourist numbers from 11 million in 2022 to 17.5 million by 2026, achieved through strategies like expanding air transport capabilities.
Ryanair currently offers more than 70,000 seats per week – from various locations – to Morocco.
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