Ryanair Strengthens Morocco Network With New Rabat Base, 20 Routes and Major Job Creation – Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 17, 2025

Ryanair has unveiled a major expansion of its Moroccan network with the announcement of a brand-new operational base in Rabat, set to launch in April 2026. Backed by an investment of approximately US$200 million, the new base will station two aircraft in the capital and introduce a total of 20 routes for the Summer 2026 season, including seven brand-new international connections linking Rabat directly with key European cities.

With this move, Rabat becomes Ryanair’s fifth base in Morocco, reinforcing the airline’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom as its largest and fastest-growing market in North Africa. The expansion comes at a strategic moment as Morocco prepares for its role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a milestone expected to significantly boost inbound tourism, business travel, and international visibility.

The Summer 2026 schedule from Rabat will feature new nonstop routes to Milan Bergamo, Baden-Baden, Frankfurt Hahn, Nuremberg, Porto, Pisa, and Valencia. These additions will strengthen Rabat’s direct connectivity with major European regions, opening new opportunities for tourism flows, trade links, and cultural exchange while giving Moroccan travelers greater access to affordable air travel across the continent.

Beyond route growth, the establishment of the Rabat base will deliver a substantial economic boost at the local level. Ryanair estimates the creation of more than 800 jobs, including around 60 highly skilled and well-paid positions for pilots and cabin crew. Additional employment will be generated across airport operations, ground handling, maintenance, hospitality, and tourism services, supporting broader economic development in the region.

The new base is expected to increase Rabat’s seat capacity by approximately 45 percent in Summer 2026, marking one of the most significant single expansions at the airport in recent years. This capacity growth forms part of Ryanair’s largest-ever summer programme in Morocco, spanning 13 airports nationwide and targeting more than 10.7 million passengers traveling to, from, and within the Kingdom.

Ryanair’s broader investment footprint in Morocco now exceeds US$1.6 billion in aircraft alone, underlining the scale of its long-term strategy in the country. The airline currently supports over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs and plays a growing role in driving tourism and regional connectivity across cities such as Marrakesh, Fez, Agadir, Tetouan, Essaouira, Dakhla, Nador, and now Rabat.

As Morocco continues to position itself as a leading global tourism and aviation hub, the opening of Ryanair’s Rabat base represents a pivotal step forward. By combining low fares, expanded route choice, and sustained investment, the airline is set to further stimulate travel demand, enhance regional accessibility, and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic and tourism ambitions well into the next decade.

Ryanair’s CEO, Eddie Wilson said:

“We are delighted to officially launch our new base at Rabat, which represents a US$200 million investment and our fifth Moroccan base. This latest base opening is part of our record S26 schedule which will see Ryanair operate over 20 routes incl. 7 new international routes to/from the Kingdom, boosting tourism and connectivity.

Our latest base opening takes Ryanair’s total investment in Morocco to over US$1.6bn, supporting over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs and delivering growth in the local tourism economy. We look forward to continuing to support Morocco’s economy as well as international connectivity, by positioning Rabat as a leading Summer destination with its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning coastline, and welcoming atmosphere.

Ryanair wishes to renew our sincere thanks to His Excellency Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, Head of Government of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, his Ministers of Transport and Tourism, Mr. Abdessamad Kayouh and Ms. Fatim-Zahra Ammor, as well as Mr. Achraf Fayda CEO of the Moroccan National Tourist Office for their vision and trust in securing this record investment for Morocco. Together we will continue to develop Morocco’s infrastructure, connectivity and tourism in advance of the Kingdom’s co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup, all of which will be underpinned and stimulated by Ryanair’s legendary low fares and industry leading punctuality”.