Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is preparing to introduce a direct flight connection between Casablanca and Essaouira from November 1, 2026, in a move expected to improve domestic travel and strengthen tourism links across Morocco.
The new service will operate twice weekly, with flights scheduled for Wednesdays and Sundays. The route is being established through an agreement between Morocco’s national airline and the Marrakech-Safi region, with the aim of making the coastal city of Essaouira more accessible to domestic and international travellers.
According to the airline’s announcement, return tickets will cost 800 Moroccan dirhams in economy class and 1,600 dirhams in business class. The service is designed to offer travellers another option for reaching Essaouira without relying solely on road transport.
The launch also forms part of Royal Air Maroc’s wider efforts to expand its domestic network and improve connections between Moroccan regions. With the new route, the airline’s domestic network will increase to 28 routes.
Casablanca–Essaouira Flights: Schedule and Departure Times
Passengers will be able to choose between two weekly departures in each direction. The timetable provides different departure times on Wednesdays and Sundays to accommodate a range of travel plans.
Flights from Casablanca to Essaouira are scheduled as follows:
| Day | Departure from Casablanca | Arrival in Essaouira |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 4:00 p.m. | 5:20 p.m. |
| Sunday | 8:20 a.m. | 9:40 a.m. |
For passengers travelling in the opposite direction, the return flights will operate on the following schedule:
| Day | Departure from Essaouira | Arrival in Casablanca |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 6:00 p.m. | 7:20 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10:20 a.m. | 11:40 a.m. |
The published timetable indicates a flight duration of approximately one hour and 20 minutes in either direction.
Travellers can purchase tickets through Royal Air Maroc’s official website, its call centres, airline sales offices and authorised partner travel agencies. Passengers should confirm flight times and availability with the airline before travelling.
New Route Expected to Support Essaouira’s Tourism Industry
The new air connection is expected to benefit Essaouira’s tourism sector by providing a more convenient link with Casablanca, Morocco’s principal commercial and aviation hub.
Essaouira is known for its Atlantic coastline, historic architecture, cultural attractions and relaxed atmosphere. Its medina, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, remains one of the city’s most prominent attractions.
The city also hosts the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, an internationally recognised cultural event that attracts musicians and visitors from different parts of the world.
Improved access could make it easier for tourists, business travellers and Moroccan residents to visit the destination. Local hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other tourism-related businesses could also benefit if the new connection encourages more visitors to travel to the region.
The route is particularly significant for travellers connecting through Casablanca, who may be able to incorporate Essaouira into their journeys more easily.
Casablanca Hub Connects Essaouira to International Destinations
Beyond providing a domestic connection, the new service will link Essaouira to Royal Air Maroc’s international network through Casablanca.
The airline’s Casablanca hub connects passengers to 86 international destinations, giving travellers arriving from abroad another potential way to reach the coastal city.
For international visitors, this could simplify travel arrangements by allowing them to connect through Casablanca before continuing to Essaouira. It may also provide additional flexibility for tourists planning to explore destinations across Morocco.
The new route reflects the importance of domestic air travel in linking regional destinations with major transport hubs. Better connections can help travellers reach places that might otherwise require longer journeys by road.
Royal Air Maroc chief executive Hamid Addou has described the expansion of the airline’s network as part of its broader commitment to supporting tourism and improving mobility within Morocco. The new service is intended to respond to the needs of travellers while strengthening connections between the country’s regions.
Royal Air Maroc Expands Morocco’s Domestic Air Network
The Casablanca–Essaouira service represents another step in Royal Air Maroc’s efforts to strengthen domestic connectivity.
Although Morocco has established international air links with numerous destinations, convenient connections between some domestic cities remain important for tourism, business and regional development.
By introducing more direct services, the airline aims to reduce travel difficulties and improve access to destinations with significant economic and cultural potential.
The agreement with the Marrakech-Safi region also highlights the role of cooperation between airlines and regional authorities in improving transport infrastructure and supporting local economies.
For Essaouira, a direct connection with Casablanca could increase its visibility among international tourists while offering residents and business operators an additional travel option.
The route is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. Its longer-term impact will depend on passenger demand, the consistency of the service and how effectively the new connection supports tourism and business activity.
