First direct flight from Montreal lands in Marrakech

The first-ever direct flight from Montreal to Marrakech was operated today, Thursday, June 13, by Canadian air carrier Air Transat, according to a press release by the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT).

The inaugural flight landed this morning at Marrakech Menara airport, marking the first direct service to Marrakech from North America.

The route is part of ONMT's «growth strategy focused on the North American market» (Light In Action). Canada has become an emerging market for Morocco, with a significant increase in seat capacity from Canada to Morocco over the past decade. «Over the last 10 years, seat capacity has increased by 87%, from 87,000 to 164,000 seats per year», ONMT said.

This new route stems from an agreement signed in October 2023 by ONMT and Air Transat. Air Transat becomes the only airline in North America to offer direct flights to Marrakech, with a schedule of twice a week in summer and once a week on Saturdays during winter.

ONMT expects this new route to not only boost tourism to Marrakech, but also open up a wide range of possibilities for travelers. With easy access from Marrakech, visitors can explore seaside resorts like Essaouira, Taghazout, and Agadir; mountain and ecotourism destinations such as Azilal and Béni Mellal; southern cities like Ouarzazate, Zagora, and Merzouga; and even cultural and city-break destinations in the north, including Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Fez.