Royal Air Maroc to Launch New Casablanca Routes to Congo and Libya in 2026
The coming year is set to bring a significant boost to air connectivity across the African continent, as Royal Air Maroc announces the revival of two major African routes in its international expansion strategy for 2026. The Moroccan flag carrier will soon operate direct flights from Casablanca to both Pointe-Noire in the Republic of Congo and Tripoli in Libya, enhancing opportunities for business, tourism, and transit across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
This move is a clear indication of Royal Air Maroc’s commitment to strengthening Casablanca’s position as a pivotal hub linking Africa with Europe and the Americas. For professionals in the African tourism industry, these new routes open up new avenues for cross-border cooperation, commercial partnerships, and diversified itineraries, while also providing travelers with more seamless access to key destinations.
By reintroducing direct service to Pointe-Noire, Royal Air Maroc is not only expanding its reach into Central Africa, but also supporting the growing demand for both corporate and leisure travel in the region. Pointe-Noire, as a strategic economic center with a vibrant port and energy sector, stands to benefit immensely from direct air links to one of North Africa’s most dynamic gateways. This connection can facilitate the movement of business executives, enhance cargo flow, and foster joint ventures in sectors ranging from oil and gas to tourism development.
The addition of Tripoli to the airline’s network is equally momentous. Libya’s capital, with its rich history and emerging business opportunities, has long been viewed as a key node for travel in North Africa. By restoring this route, Royal Air Maroc will support the rebuilding of Libya’s tourism and business infrastructure, while offering travelers and investors more direct access to the country from across the continent. This step is expected to have positive ripple effects, stimulating growth in the wider region and providing African industry stakeholders with new prospects for collaboration and expansion.
For Casablanca, these expanded services further cement its role as a transcontinental aviation hub. With convenient connections to Europe, North America, and now deeper into Africa, Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is poised to become increasingly attractive for both international carriers and African partners. This development will likely drive higher transit traffic, encourage new code-share agreements, and inspire additional investment in airport infrastructure and hospitality services.
New and improved connections such as these are vital for Africa’s travel trade. They underpin the continent’s vision of greater intra-African mobility—a pillar of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market initiative. Enhanced connectivity not only simplifies business travel and tourism, but also accelerates the flow of goods, services, and ideas. For African tour operators, DMCs, and hospitality suppliers, having direct access to more markets means the ability to craft richer, multi-destination packages that appeal to both regional and global clients.
The airline’s measured expansion strategy also reflects broader sector trends. As more African carriers seek to position themselves as bridges between continents, there is a growing emphasis on building resilient, flexible route networks that can respond to shifting market demands. Royal Air Maroc’s approach—focused on strengthening primary hubs while selectively adding high-potential destinations—mirrors the aspirations of many African industry players looking to balance growth with operational stability.
In the coming years, these new routes are expected to generate increased passenger traffic, spur hotel and infrastructure development, and create new opportunities for service providers across the tourism value chain. For those in the African travel industry, now is the time to explore new product offerings, forge partnerships with local businesses in Congo and Libya, and consider how enhanced air access can unlock untapped segments—from meetings and incentives to adventure and cultural tourism.
Royal Air Maroc’s 2026 expansion is more than just an airline announcement—it is a strategic signal to the continent’s tourism professionals. The message is clear: Africa’s aviation landscape is evolving, and those who anticipate and respond to these changes will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead. As networks grow and the web of connectivity tightens, the continent’s travel sector stands ready to enter a new era of opportunity and innovation.
