Ryanair's Strategic Move to Enter Morocco's Domestic Flight Sector
Ryanair, a prominent low-cost Irish airline, has formally approached Moroccan authorities to gain permission for operating domestic flights within the country starting in 2024. This request, currently under review by Morocco's civil aviation authority, signifies a bold step for Ryanair as Morocco could become the first non-European nation where the airline establishes an internal flight network.
Challenging the Domestic Aviation Market in Morocco
Currently, the Moroccan domestic flight market is dominated by two major players: Air Arabia and Royal Air Maroc. Ryanair's potential entry into this market represents a significant shift in the domestic aviation landscape. The airline already has a substantial presence in Morocco through numerous international flights connecting Europe to various Moroccan destinations. These flights cater to two primary segments: the Moroccan diaspora in European countries like Belgium, France, and Spain, and tourists from Europe visiting popular Moroccan cities such as Fez and Marrakech.
Passenger Traffic Growth in Moroccan Airports
Recent statistics from the National Airports Office (ONDA) highlight the thriving nature of Morocco's aviation sector. The country's airports recorded a passenger traffic of 21.6 million through domestic and international flights. This figure not only shows a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2019 but also a significant 31% growth from 2022. Ryanair's proposed expansion into Morocco's domestic market comes at a time when the country is experiencing a noticeable upswing in its aviation activities.
