American Airline’s Map Sparks Controversy by Omitting Western Sahara from Morocco

The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and the American airline United Airlines are linked by a partnership agreement, which provides for the launch of a direct air link between New York and Marrakech starting in October 2024 and the financing of part of the operating costs of this line by the Office. The flights will be operated on board a Boeing 767-300 capable of accommodating 167 passengers. The overall objective is to attract more American tourists to Morocco.

But an advertising campaign launched by the American airline on social networks showing a map of Morocco without the Sahara has provoked the anger of many Moroccans. They denounce an attack on Morocco’s sovereignty over its territory. Outraged, several Moroccan activists have called on the ONMT to demand that the company immediately withdraw the video and cancel the agreement signed with it. They have also called for a boycott of United Airlines if it enters the national market.

Is the launch of such an air link within the framework of an agreement between the ONMT and United Airlines really necessary? Currently, the national airline Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is working on the launch of a similar air link between New York and Marrakech.