Ryanair is expanding its network in Morocco with 17 new routes for winter 2026 as the airline rolls out its largest-ever winter program in the country, offering 5.3 million seats across 156 routes.
The program adds 600,000 seats, a 12% increase in capacity compared with last winter, and connects Morocco to 14 countries through 13 airports across the country, according to the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT).
The 17 new routes in Ryanair’s winter program include routes from Germany, the UK and Ireland, as well as from Rabat, CEO Eddie Wilson told Hespress English on Tuesday, as the airline opened its fifth Moroccan base in the capital with two aircraft stationed there.
The new base brings the total number of Ryanair aircraft based in Morocco to 16. “We are taking delivery of 300 aircraft over the next seven years, and we want to apportion as many of those to Morocco as possible,” Wilson said, adding that the airline wants to open more routes and create more jobs.
The ONMT statement said that Ryanair’s expansion in Morocco represents a cumulative investment of $1.6 billion and supports more than 8,500 local jobs.
The airline’s expanding network is also helping boost destinations beyond Morocco’s main tourist hubs, including Fes, Tetouan, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, Dakhla and Nador .
“It’s not all just about Marrakech,” Wilson said, “but people are now finding they can go to Rabat, they can go to some of the more desert locations.”
“We’ll be working closely with the ONMT in opening up those destinations. Just like we’ve done in many European countries, and I don’t see any reason why we can’t do it here in Morocco and North Africa,” he added.
Ryanair expansion to boost local economy
Wilson said direct international connections could bring more tourist spending to local businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, and tour guides. He estimated that international tourists typically spend between €700 and €1,000 during their stay, benefiting the local economy.
“What you get with airlines like Ryanair is a real shot in the arm, a real injection into the local economy,” he said.
Ryanair has also expanded its domestic routes in Morocco, which Wilson said have become an important part of its recent growth, as domestic tourism is something ONMT would like to encourage.
He said domestic flights make it easier for people to travel between Moroccan cities for work and college, while helping small businesses.
“It’s a win-win for the economy if people can move around more easily…. And that has happened throughout Europe,” he added.
The ONMT said the visit highlights Morocco’s growing role in Ryanair’s expansion strategy and the strength of a partnership that aims to increase air capacity, attract tourists from new markets, and strengthen Morocco’s presence in European markets.
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