Ryanair Joins Forces With Moroccan National Tourist Office To Strengthen Air Connectivity And Create More Than Eight Hundred Jobs With New Base Opening In Rabat By 2026

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Ryanair’s announcement of a new base in Rabat, Morocco, marks a significant expansion for the airline in North Africa. Set to launch in summer 2026, this move is part of Ryanair’s strategic plan to enhance connectivity between Morocco and key European destinations. With an investment of $200 million, the establishment of this base will not only increase air traffic but also create over 800 local jobs, further solidifying Morocco’s position as a growing hub for international travel and tourism.

Ryanair, in collaboration with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), has officially announced the establishment of a new base at Rabat-Salé Airport, set to launch in April 2026. This marks the airline’s fifth base in Morocco and will see the deployment of two aircraft, alongside the operation of 20 routes. Ryanair’s investment in this new venture is valued at $200 million, underscoring the airline’s commitment to expanding its operations in the region.

Starting in summer 2026, seven new international routes will be introduced, connecting Rabat to several key European cities. These new destinations include Milan Bergamo, Baden-Baden, Frankfurt Hahn, Nuremberg, Porto, Pisa, and Valencia. This addition will significantly boost Ryanair’s service offerings, with over 18 weekly flights from Rabat during the first season of operations. As a result, the airline will offer 79,000 additional seats to international travelers, which translates to a growth of more than 49% in Ryanair’s overall operations at Rabat-Salé Airport.

The announcement was made during a special event held at Rabat-Salé Airport, where Moroccan officials highlighted the significance of the new base for the country’s tourism sector. The event was an important occasion for demonstrating Morocco’s increasing appeal as a global tourism destination, with strong backing from international airline partners.

A representative from Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism highlighted that the new Rabat base supports the country’s evolving tourism strategy, in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI. The establishment of the base is a key move to strengthen Morocco’s global connectivity and reinforce its status as a leading tourism destination. Additionally, it is expected to bring significant economic advantages at the local level, fostering new opportunities for communities and contributing to the overall growth of Morocco’s tourism sector.

The new base will bolster Rabat’s flight capacity by 45% and form part of Ryanair’s most ambitious summer expansion in Morocco to date. The airline expects to carry over 10.7 million passengers across the Kingdom in the upcoming season, with 13 airports in total benefiting from the expansion.

In addition to increasing passenger capacity, the new base is anticipated to create more than 800 local jobs. This includes the hiring of 60 highly skilled personnel, such as pilots and cabin crew, which is a testament to Ryanair’s investment in the local workforce. The airline’s overall contribution to Morocco’s employment landscape is substantial, as it has already provided over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Ryanair’s commitment to Morocco is part of its broader strategy to enhance its presence in North Africa, with the airline having already invested over $1.6 billion in the country. The launch of the Rabat base not only represents an expansion of Ryanair’s operations but also reflects the growing importance of Morocco as a key market for the airline. As Ryanair continues to strengthen its network in Morocco, the airline is also contributing to the broader growth of tourism and aviation in the region.

For travelers, the new routes will offer more affordable options to explore popular European destinations, further supporting Morocco’s position as a gateway to both Europe and the broader international travel market. Ryanair’s low-cost model is expected to appeal to a wide range of travelers, from business professionals to tourists seeking budget-friendly options.

Overall, the establishment of Ryanair’s new base in Rabat is a significant milestone for both the airline and Morocco’s tourism industry. With the introduction of new routes, expanded flight options, and the creation of local jobs, the initiative will play a crucial role in enhancing Morocco’s international connectivity and driving growth in the country’s aviation and tourism sectors.