Morocco Bucks Digital Trend: Ryanair’s Paperless Push Meets Resistance at North African Airports

As of November 3, 2025, all Ryanair passengers will no longer have to print a paper boarding pass. The Irish low-cost airline is imposing digital boarding passes. "This transition to 100% dematerialized boarding passes from November 2025 will allow us to offer an optimized and simplified travel experience, particularly through the myRyanair app, during our winter program, a less busy period. This transition will be particularly useful in the event of disruptions, as it will allow passengers to receive real-time updates directly from our operations control center, access alternative flights, as well as transfer or accommodation solutions if necessary," detailed Dara Brady, Chief Marketing Officer of Ryanair.

The Irish low-cost airline offers the possibility for travelers who are unable to access their digital card, particularly due to lack of a mobile phone or battery, to go directly to the airline’s counter at the airport to receive a boarding pass. "You can ask a loved one to download the card for you, or go to one of our counters where an agent will give it to you," a spokesperson specified. In this case, would fees be imposed on passengers? When asked by The Telegraph, the company was unable to provide any clarification. Until now, passengers arriving without a boarding pass have to pay a penalty of 20 pounds sterling, while those who have not checked in online are subject to a penalty of 55 pounds.

Meanwhile, printed cards remain mandatory in Casablanca, Marrakech and Fès, Agadir and Tanger. Passengers leaving Moroccan territory must present a printed boarding pass, as digital formats are systematically rejected. "Digital cards serve as dynamic hubs, connected to the operational systems of the airlines, which allows to streamline passenger flows and limit fraud," explains Gonzalo Vazquez, General Manager of Airlines AI Studio at Globant, however advising against relying on a simple screenshot. "Static codes may not be recognized by automated readers," he warns.