Morocco aviation growth surpasses South Africa rankings

Morocco has 2.18 million air seats scheduled for July 2026, representing a 10.4% increase year-on-year, according to data from global aviation schedule specialist OAG. With nearly 206,000 additional seats, the kingdom reaches third place in Africa.

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It now significantly outpaces Ethiopia, fourth with 1.45 million seats, as well as Nigeria and Algeria. The latter occupies sixth place with 1.11 million seats, almost twice less than Morocco.

Morocco on track to overtake South Africa

The kingdom is especially closing in on South Africa, Africa’s second-largest air market with 2.38 million seats. Only 198,000 seats now separate the two countries.

Morocco’s growth reaches 10.4%, compared to just 5.6% for South Africa. Morocco has thus added nearly 206,000 seats in one year, versus approximately 126,000 for its competitor. If this momentum continues, the kingdom could soon claim Africa’s second position.

Egypt remains harder to reach. It maintains the top ranking with 2.93 million seats scheduled for July, up 6.9%.

Royal Air Maroc accelerates

This rise in power is notably based on Royal Air Maroc. The national carrier offers 852,300 seats in July, 120,100 more than a year earlier. Its capacity jumps 16.4%, a growth rate exceeding that of Morocco’s entire market.

RAM thus becomes Africa’s fourth airline, behind Ethiopian Airlines, Safair and Egyptair. It is now just 18,500 seats away from the latter.

Moroccan airports are also benefiting from this growth. Casablanca-Mohammed V ranks fourth in Africa with nearly 790,000 seats, up 13%. It is surpassed by Cairo, Addis Ababa and Johannesburg.

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Marrakech for its part enters the top 10 with approximately 470,000 seats and 9% growth. Morocco thus places two of its airports among the continent’s ten main hubs.