Spanish airline Vueling inaugurated, on Thursday, a new direct air route linking Barcelona to the coastal Moroccan city of Essaouira, a move officials say will strengthen tourism and international connectivity.
A welcoming ceremony was held at Essaouira-Mogador International Airport to mark the occasion, attended by local officials, tourism stakeholders, and representatives of the airline.
“This new route, operated twice a week, adds real value to the airport’s growing flight network,” said Abdelmounaim Aoutoul, director of Essaouira-Mogador Airport, noting that passenger traffic at the airport rose by more than 28% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The airport now serves around 10 international destinations, mostly in Europe, as well as a domestic connection to the Moroccan capital, Rabat. Aoutoul added that new routes to Nantes, France, and Seville, Spain, are expected to launch this summer.
Redouane Khane, president of the Provincial Tourism Council, said the new air link would “inject fresh momentum” into the local tourism industry by offering direct access to Essaouira for travelers from Spain and other European markets connected via Barcelona.
“This opening enhances the destination’s appeal and supports local efforts to promote Essaouira internationally,” Khane said, praising the support of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO) in strengthening air connectivity and visibility abroad.
Speaking to MAP, several passengers expressed satisfaction with the new route, citing time savings and added convenience.
The launch is part of a broader strategy to improve access to Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, whose global reputation as a cultural and seaside destination continues to grow.
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