Ryanair bets $3 billion on Morocco

The leading European carrier is accelerating its development in the Kingdom. According to its CEO, Eddie Wilson, the objective is to support the country’s tourism growth and the organization of the joint World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Since its arrival in 2006, Ryanair has already invested nearly $1.6 billion.

The year 2024 marked a turning point with the opening of domestic routes, breaking the historical duopoly of Royal Air Maroc - Air Arabia. Currently, the company serves 13 Moroccan airports and operates five operational bases, the latest of which was inaugurated in Rabat in December (a $200 million investment).

Priority to the Europe-Morocco axis and MREs

When questioned by Asharq about an expansion to other Arab or African regions, Eddie Wilson ruled out this option, citing the lack of traffic rights. The strategy remains focused on strengthening the connections between Europe and Morocco.

The executive justifies this choice by the geographical proximity and the importance of the diaspora: about five million Moroccans reside in Europe (MREs), generating a summer traffic of nearly two million travelers. The low-cost model, with an average ticket price of around 60 euros last year, aims to facilitate these frequent trips.

To support this growth, Ryanair will draw from its order book of 300 aircraft. The Moroccan subsidiary will require the allocation of 16 additional aircraft, the delivery of which is scheduled between 2027 and 2034.

Currently, the company offers 11 million annual seats to Morocco. As for the domestic market, despite a challenging start, it is gaining momentum with ten routes already operational and new openings planned, offering a fast transportation alternative between the cities of the Kingdom.