Tourism Growth in Africa: Royal Air Maroc Opens New Routes to Pointe-Noire and Tripoli

Published on December 17, 2025

Royal Air Maroc is set to strengthen its regional air connectivity with the launch of two new direct flight routes in 2026. Starting in April 2026, the Moroccan flag carrier will operate flights between Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, and Pointe-Noire, the economic hub of the Republic of Congo, and Tripoli, the capital of Libya. This expansion marks an important development for both business and tourism in these regions, opening up new opportunities for travelers and industry stakeholders alike.

The new routes reflect Royal Air Maroc’s commitment to bolstering Casablanca’s role as a strategic aviation hub linking Africa, Europe, and North America. The announcement of these services highlights the airline’s strategic intent to meet rising demand for regional air travel and enhance tourism flows across sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to the broader vision of African economic integration and sustainable tourism growth.

Connecting Africa: New Opportunities for Business and Tourism

Pointe-Noire, located along the Atlantic coast of the Republic of Congo, is a key economic center with a thriving port and energy sector. The city plays a pivotal role in Central Africa’s trade and oil industry. By launching a direct flight service from Casablanca to Pointe-Noire, Royal Air Maroc aims to facilitate increased business travel between Morocco and Congo, supporting economic development and expanding the region’s international connectivity.

In addition to business opportunities, this new route will also benefit tourism, providing easier access for international travelers wishing to explore the Republic of Congo’s unique attractions, such as Loango National Park and Pointe-Noire’s beaches. Tour operators and travel agencies will be able to offer more accessible, multi-destination packages, encouraging visitors to explore Congo’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and business potential.

Similarly, Tripoli, the capital of Libya, represents a major gateway to North Africa and a city with significant tourism potential. The resumption of direct flights between Casablanca and Tripoli is expected to enhance the flow of both business and leisure travelers to Libya. Despite recent challenges, Libya remains an intriguing destination for those interested in Middle Eastern history, Mediterranean architecture, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region.

Libya’s growing importance as a destination for both business tourism and leisure travelers has been reflected in increased interest in the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, such as the Roman ruins of Sabratha and Leptis Magna. Royal Air Maroc’s new flights to Tripoli will help bring tourists back to Libya while also facilitating better connections for businesses across the Maghreb region.

Royal Air Maroc’s Role in Enhancing Intra-African Travel

Intra-African travel has been a focus of growing importance in recent years, as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) aim to improve mobility and connectivity across the continent. With more countries adopting open skies policies, airlines like Royal Air Maroc are playing an instrumental role in boosting regional travel. These new routes to Pointe-Noire and Tripoli are aligned with this broader initiative, contributing to the realization of a more integrated African travel network.

The flights will not only provide improved access for travelers within Africa but also link Africa to the wider global tourism market. The availability of direct routes between key regional cities strengthens the tourism value chain, including better flight options for travelers, increased demand for tourist accommodation, and more tourism packages across Africa.

Tourism Growth in Morocco: A Boost for Regional Connectivity

The expansion of Royal Air Maroc’s regional network has significant implications for tourism in Morocco. Casablanca, as the main hub of Morocco’s aviation industry, continues to be a gateway for international travelers entering the country. As Morocco positions itself as a leading destination in North Africa, improved connectivity with cities like Pointe-Noire and Tripoli enhances Morocco’s role as a key player in regional tourism.

The added flight routes will facilitate easier access to the Algerian border, Mauritania, and other neighboring countries, supporting the growth of cross-border tourism. This move complements Morocco’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism by diversifying its offerings beyond traditional tourist hotspots such as Marrakech and Fez, expanding into lesser-known regions.

A Step Toward Sustainable Air Travel in Africa

The Embraer E190 aircraft used for these new routes is a fuel-efficient, versatile aircraft, ideal for shorter regional flights. The choice of this aircraft aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability in African aviation, ensuring that the airline is able to meet the increasing demand for regional connectivity while minimizing its environmental impact.

As Africa’s tourism industry continues to rebound, the adoption of fuel-efficient aircraft like the E190 will contribute to sustainable air travel, making it easier for travelers to move across the continent with minimal carbon footprint. The Embraer E190’s capacity for around 100 passengers makes it perfect for the busy routes between Casablanca, Pointe-Noire, and Tripoli, ensuring the airline can operate with increased frequency without overburdening airport infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: Increased Tourism and Business Opportunities

The new flight services from Royal Air Maroc are expected to have a positive impact on tourism and business travel between Morocco, Congo, and Libya. With the introduction of these new routes, the airline is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for travel between North and Central Africa. The new flights will help unlock new opportunities for tourism development, cross-border partnerships, and business ventures in the coming years.

Tourists and business travelers will now have easier access to a range of regional destinations, making it possible for them to explore not just the key cities but also the many cultural, historical, and natural attractions that Africa has to offer.