Royal Air Maroc’s Tetouan Base Unlocks Direct European Links and Boosts Northern Morocco’s Appeal
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has taken a bold step to reinforce its footprint in northern Morocco by inaugurating a new air base at Tetouan Sania Ramel Airport. This strategic move, developed in close partnership with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), is set to transform the region’s connectivity and open up fresh opportunities for both inbound and outbound travel.
From March 27, RAM will launch direct flights from Tetouan to six major European cities: Barcelona, Brussels, London-Gatwick, Madrid, Paris, and Malaga. These new routes will be operated with the efficient Embraer E190 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable and reliable service for passengers. In addition, the airline is strengthening its domestic network by introducing three weekly flights between Tetouan and Casablanca, further integrating the region with Morocco’s economic heartland .
This expansion is more than just a network boost; it is a calculated response to growing passenger demand and a reflection of the region’s rising profile as a tourism and business hub. Tetouan, nestled along the Martil Valley and serving as one of Morocco’s key Mediterranean ports, is uniquely positioned just south of the Strait of Gibraltar. Its proximity to Europe and its rich cultural heritage make it an attractive gateway for international visitors and a convenient departure point for Moroccans heading abroad .
RAM’s Chairman and CEO, Hamid Addou, emphasized the significance of the new base, noting that it will play a pivotal role in strengthening Morocco’s tourism and economic development in the north. By complementing the airline’s established hub in Tangier, the Tetouan base is set to enhance the region’s connectivity to key European markets, which are vital sources of inbound tourism. This move is expected to increase the region’s attractiveness for international travelers and stimulate local economic activity.
ONMT’s director general, Achraf Fayda, highlighted that the initiative aligns perfectly with the office’s strategy to foster balanced, sustainable, and high-value-added tourism growth across Morocco’s diverse regions. The collaboration between RAM and ONMT demonstrates a shared commitment to not only increasing visitor numbers but also ensuring that tourism development benefits local communities and preserves the region’s unique character .
For Africa’s travel industry professionals, this development signals a new era of opportunity. The direct links to major European cities will make Tetouan a more accessible and appealing destination for both leisure and business travelers. It also opens up new possibilities for partnerships with European tour operators, airlines, and hospitality providers, creating a ripple effect that could benefit the wider region. The enhanced domestic connectivity with Casablanca further integrates northern Morocco into the national and international travel network, making it easier for travelers from across Africa to connect to Europe via Tetouan .
As the aviation landscape evolves, RAM’s investment in Tetouan is a clear indication of the airline’s confidence in the region’s potential. For African tourism stakeholders, this is a timely reminder to keep an eye on emerging hubs and to consider how shifting air connectivity can reshape travel flows, business opportunities, and destination marketing strategies in the years ahead.
