Morocco Travel News: Royal Air Maroc Launches Expanded European Routes from Tangier and Tetouan to Boost Tourism

Published on February 10, 2026

Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco’s national flag carrier, has announced a strategic expansion of its flight network by introducing several new direct services linking northern Morocco with major European cities. The expansion includes new flights from Tangier to destinations such as Malaga (Spain), Barcelona (Spain) and Madrid (Spain), along with enhanced schedule offerings from Nador — part of the airline’s broader effort to boost connectivity between Northern Morocco and Europe. In parallel, RAM has opened an operational base at Tetouan Sania R’Mel Airport, from which it will operate additional European services to cities including Barcelona, Brussels, London‑Gatwick, Madrid, Paris and Malaga starting 27 March 2026, supporting tourism growth and regional accessibility.

In a decisive move to enhance air access and tourism linkages between Northern Morocco and Europe, Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has officially expanded its route network with a series of direct flights from northern Moroccan cities to key European destinations. The expansion reflects RAM’s strategic focus on strengthening regional connectivity as part of its 2026 growth roadmap. New services from Tangier will connect passengers nonstop to Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid — core European hubs with strong cultural, leisure and diaspora travel demand. Complementing this, the establishment of a new base at Tetouan Sania R’Mel Airport positions northern Morocco as a gateway for additional direct flights to six European cities, broadening access for business and leisure travellers alike. These developments are expected to promote tourism, support economic activity in the region, and offer travellers greater choice in travel options to and from Europe.

New Routes and Connectivity Enhancements

Royal Air Maroc’s expansion centres on direct European connectivity from northern Moroccan cities:

• Tangier: New direct and regular flights to Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid enhance options for travellers seeking direct access without connections — particularly appealing for leisure and short‑break travel markets.
• Tetouan Sania R’Mel Airport: RAM’s new operational base will serve six direct European destinations — Barcelona, Brussels, London‑Gatwick, Madrid, Paris and Malaga — starting 27 March 2026. This initiative broadens international access for Northern Morocco, creating efficient connections to Western European cities.
• Domestic Support: Alongside the European routes, RAM will also operate enhanced domestic services, including increased frequencies between Tetouan and Casablanca, complementing the international expansion and enabling seamless onward connections via RAM’s Casablanca hub.

The new routes will be operated primarily using Embraer E‑190 aircraft, aligning with regional demand and representing a key network growth strategy for RAM in 2026.

Advantages for Travellers — Travel Angle Insight

Direct Access to Europe for Northern Morocco

With the addition of nonstop services from Tangier and Tetouan, travellers from northern Morocco now enjoy enhanced direct access to major European cities without the need for connecting flights, reducing travel time and simplifying itineraries.

Increased Tourism Potential

The new European routes support Morocco’s tourism strategy by making it easier for European travellers to explore northern destinations, known for their historic cities, coastal experiences and cultural heritage — boosting inbound tourism and economic activity in local communities.

Balanced Network and Connectivity Choices

The expanded network offers travellers more options and flexibility, whether for leisure, visiting friends and family, or business travel, while also facilitating smoother connections to RAM’s broader global network via Casablanca.

Complementary Domestic Connectivity

Enhanced flights between Tetouan and Casablanca enable seamless domestic and international connections, giving passengers convenient routing options for multi‑destination travel plans.

Disadvantages and Traveller Considerations

Seasonal Demand Impact on Frequencies

Some services may operate with limited frequencies based on seasonal demand patterns. Travellers planning trips outside peak periods should check schedules to ensure alignment with their travel dates.

Market Competition and Pricing

Expanded connectivity may lead to competitive pricing dynamics, but fare levels could still fluctuate based on demand, especially during peak summer travel periods.

New Services Ramp‑Up Period

As new routes commence in March and beyond, travellers might experience initial adjustment periods as RAM establishes stable schedules and optimises operations on these services.

Conclusion — Travel and Tourism Impact

Royal Air Maroc’s recent expansion of direct flights from northern Moroccan cities to Europe represents a significant advancement in air connectivity for the region. By linking Tangier and Tetouan with major European destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Brussels, London‑Gatwick and Paris, RAM is creating more direct travel options for leisure, business and diaspora passengers. These expanded services not only bolster Northern Morocco’s appeal as an accessible tourism destination but also reinforce Morocco’s broader aviation strategy of enhancing international accessibility and supporting economic development. As services commence and mature over 2026, travellers can expect improved connectivity, better travel choice and strengthened links across Europe and North Africa.