Royal Air Maroc Transforms Transatlantic Travel With New Casablanca To Los Angeles Route Set To Boost Global Access and Position LAX as a Six-Continent Hub

Published on November 24, 2025

Royal Air Maroc’s established service is likely to reshape the transatlantic market with the inaugural nonstop service to Los Angeles (LAX) from Casablanca (CMN) in June 2026. This service introduces a major shift in the ability of the aviation market to support transatlantic traffic. Furthermore, this service will economically reinstate the ability of Los Angeles (LAX) to service all 6 inhabited continents. This service is expected to facilitate the accessibility of critical destinations in Africa, North America, and Europe. With the expansion of the Royal Air Maroc network, Casablanca (CMN) will be established as a major hub of transatlantic traffic as it will be able to provide point to point service as well as hub and spoke services thus, placing LAX as a major part of the international air services.

Royal Air Maroc is preparing to enhance its transatlantic network with a new nonstop route connecting Casablanca (CMN) and Los Angeles (LAX). The service, set to begin in June 2026, will not only increase the airline’s footprint in North America but also return Los Angeles to the select group of airports offering direct flights to six continents.

This development signals a strategic push by the Moroccan national carrier to strengthen its position in the global aviation market. The new route is expected to cater to travelers between Morocco and the United States, while also offering an attractive option for those seeking connecting flights to other regions across Africa and Europe.

A New Route to Strengthen Global Connectivity

The nonstop service between Casablanca and Los Angeles will span approximately 5,990 miles, with flight times expected to range between 11 to 12 hours each way. The airline will operate the route with its Boeing 787 fleet, specifically utilizing the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 variants. These modern widebody aircraft are known for their fuel efficiency, which allows the airline to offer competitive fares while maintaining operational flexibility.

Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) already serves as a key hub for Royal Air Maroc, and the new route to Los Angeles will further position the airline as a major player in the transatlantic market. This direct connection is expected to provide a convenient link between North America and Morocco, as well as several African destinations.

Strengthening Africa–North America Connectivity

One of the key strategic benefits of this route is its potential to boost connectivity between Africa and North America. The launch of direct flights from Casablanca to Los Angeles will make it easier for passengers from across Africa to connect with the United States. Casablanca’s geographic location offers efficient one-stop links to a number of African cities, including destinations in West Africa, North Africa, and even sub-Saharan regions.

Additionally, the new service will serve as an important gateway for travelers from Los Angeles to various European destinations. As Morocco lies at a crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the route will facilitate smoother connections to Europe’s major cities, offering a competitive advantage over other European hubs.

While Los Angeles is expected to serve as the primary origin and destination point for many travelers, the new flight also holds the potential to draw a significant number of connecting passengers. For travelers from cities across the U.S. seeking access to Morocco and the broader African continent, this route represents an attractive option, making the long-haul journey more efficient and direct.

A Competitive Edge Through Cost-Effective Operations

Royal Air Maroc has been able to maintain a competitive edge in the long-haul market thanks to its low-cost operating structure. Labor costs, which are lower than those of many U.S. carriers, provide the airline with a distinct advantage in managing operational expenses. This allows the airline to offer attractive fares for long-haul flights, including the new Casablanca–Los Angeles service.

Although the demand for direct point-to-point traffic between Los Angeles and Casablanca may be moderate, the ability to attract connecting passengers will be crucial to the success of the route. Casablanca’s status as a hub for African and European connections will help Royal Air Maroc fill seats on both legs of the flight, especially as the airline taps into the growing demand for travel between North America and Africa.

Fleet Constraints and Operational Challenges

Despite the promising outlook for the Casablanca–Los Angeles route, the airline faces operational challenges due to fleet limitations. With the airline’s current Boeing 787 fleet, Royal Air Maroc will need to carefully allocate its aircraft resources to support the new service while ensuring that its existing routes are maintained. The airline operates a relatively small fleet of widebody aircraft, which could lead to capacity constraints in the early stages of the service.

It is likely that the airline will initially operate the new route at a less-than-daily frequency, potentially reducing the frequency of other long-haul services to accommodate the new flights. Once additional aircraft are delivered to the fleet, Royal Air Maroc plans to increase the frequency of its operations on the Casablanca–Los Angeles route, expanding the offering to meet market demand.

As the airline continues to expand its operations, the introduction of additional widebody aircraft will help alleviate these constraints, allowing Royal Air Maroc to increase capacity across its long-haul network. The airline has also explored the option of adding more aircraft to its fleet in the coming years, although these planes are not expected to arrive in time for the 2026 launch.

Restoring LAX’s Status as a Six-Continent Airport

The launch of nonstop flights from Casablanca to Los Angeles is significant not only for Royal Air Maroc but also for LAX itself. The new service will restore Los Angeles’ status as one of the few airports in the world with nonstop passenger flights to all six inhabited continents. LAX had previously held this distinction, but several factors, including changing air travel patterns and fleet limitations, had caused the airport to lose its spot in the exclusive six-continent club.

By adding direct service to Morocco, LAX is regaining its position as a key hub in the global air travel network. The airport’s ability to connect passengers to destinations across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Oceania makes it a vital link for travelers worldwide.

In addition to Royal Air Maroc, EgyptAir has also announced plans to introduce a new service to Los Angeles in the near future, further expanding LAX’s connections to Africa. These developments highlight the growing importance of Los Angeles as a transit point for travelers seeking access to Africa and beyond.

The Strategic Timing of the Launch

The timing of the new Casablanca–Los Angeles service appears to be strategically aligned with the projected demand generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the tournament draws closer, North American markets are expected to see a surge in travel demand, creating favorable conditions for airlines operating transatlantic and Africa-bound routes.

The increased interest in travel to and from the Middle East and North Africa due to the World Cup will likely drive strong demand for this new service. Royal Air Maroc is well-positioned to capitalize on this demand, particularly as soccer fans and tourists seek efficient routes to Morocco and other African destinations.

Future Prospects and Market Expansion

Royal Air Maroc’s plans to introduce nonstop service between Casablanca and Los Angeles are part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand its presence in North America and strengthen its position as a leader in African aviation. With its competitive pricing, efficient operations, and growing network, the airline is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for travel between Africa and the U.S.

While the airline’s fleet limitations may present short-term challenges, the continued growth of its long-haul network and the expansion of its widebody fleet will provide the foundation for future success. As more aircraft are delivered and the airline optimizes its operations, Royal Air Maroc will be able to enhance service frequency and capacity on the new route, further solidifying its position as a key player in the transatlantic market.

Royal Air Maroc is transforming transatlantic travel with its new Casablanca to Los Angeles route, set to enhance global connectivity and restore LAX’s status as a six-continent hub. This service will provide efficient access between Africa, North America, and Europe, driving more travel options for global passengers.

Royal Air Maroc’s planned Casablanca–Los Angeles service, scheduled to begin in June 2026, is an exciting development that will enhance transatlantic connectivity and provide valuable access between Africa and North America. Despite fleet constraints and the need to balance operational demands, the new route offers a wealth of opportunities for both the airline and passengers seeking convenient and efficient travel options. As Los Angeles reclaims its status as a six-continent airport, the new flight is set to become a vital link in global air travel, connecting passengers to key destinations in Africa, Europe, and beyond.