EasyJet has launched a new direct air route linking Strasbourg and Marrakech, as the carrier expands its footprint in Morocco amid rising demand for travel between Europe and North Africa.
The twice-weekly service, operating on Thursdays and Sundays, connects Strasbourg Airport with Marrakech Menara Airport, offering a long-awaited direct link between eastern France and one of Morocco’s top tourist destinations.
The new route is expected to benefit a broad mix of travellers, including tourists, business passengers, students and members of the Moroccan diaspora, who previously relied on connecting flights through other European hubs.
The launch comes as EasyJet accelerates its expansion strategy in Morocco, marked by the recent opening of its first African operational base in Marrakech. The airline has invested more than €300 million ($324 million) in the base, which includes three Airbus aircraft and is expected to offer up to four million seats in its first year.
The expansion follows a strategic agreement signed in 2025 between the airline and Moroccan National Tourist Office aimed at strengthening Morocco’s connectivity with key European markets.
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In addition to the Strasbourg route, the carrier plans to roll out new connections to Agadir and Essaouira, bringing its total Moroccan network to 58 routes as it deepens its presence in the country.
The Marrakech base is expected to create around 100 direct jobs, while supporting broader employment across the tourism sector, a key pillar of Morocco’s economy.
Morocco has seen strong tourism growth in recent months, supported by expanded air connectivity and increased investment in infrastructure.
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According to official data, the country generated 31 billion dirhams (around $3.1 billion) in tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2026, a 24 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Visitor numbers reached 4.3 million between January and March, up seven percent year-on-year, suggesting higher spending per tourist as Morocco continues to diversify and upgrade its tourism offering.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the performance highlights the sector’s growing economic impact, with several 2026 targets already exceeded ahead of schedule.
Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, generating 138 billion dirhams in revenue, surpassing projections set under the country’s national tourism roadmap.
Authorities are continuing to invest in airport infrastructure, including expansions in Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir, as part of efforts to attract 20 million visitors in 2026 and up to 26 million by 2030.
Analysts say improved air access will be critical to sustaining momentum in the sector, as Morocco positions itself as a leading destination for European travellers seeking short-haul leisure and cultural trips.
The addition of the Strasbourg–Marrakech route reflects a broader trend among low-cost carriers increasing capacity to high-demand destinations, particularly in North Africa, where tourism has rebounded strongly following pandemic-era disruptions.
