Morocco’s Largest Airline Expands Africa–US Connectivity with New Direct Los Angeles Route Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Africa’s aviation sector has reached another important milestone as Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc, officially launched a nonstop service between Casablanca and Los Angeles, further strengthening air connectivity between the African continent and the United States. The new route makes Royal Air Maroc the second African airline to offer direct flights to Los Angeles, following EgyptAir’s recent entry into the market.
The inaugural flight departed Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca on June 7, marking the beginning of a strategic expansion that positions Morocco as an increasingly important gateway between Africa and North America. The flight arrived in Los Angeles after approximately 12 hours, creating a seamless travel experience for passengers seeking direct access between the two regions.
Royal Air Maroc will operate the route three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The airline described the launch as a significant step in bringing one of America’s most influential cities closer to Africa while enhancing travel opportunities for business executives, tourists, students, investors, and members of the African diaspora.
The introduction of the Casablanca–Los Angeles route comes just weeks after EgyptAir launched nonstop flights between Cairo and Los Angeles, making North Africa one of the fastest-growing regions in terms of direct air connectivity to the US West Coast. Together, the two services provide travelers with new options for reaching one of the world’s largest economic and entertainment hubs without the need for connecting flights through Europe or the Middle East.
For Royal Air Maroc, the Los Angeles route further strengthens its growing North American network, which already includes major destinations such as New York, Washington, Miami, Montreal, and Toronto. The expansion reflects the airline’s broader ambition to establish Casablanca as a leading aviation hub connecting Africa to global markets.
The new service also reinforces Africa’s growing aviation footprint in the United States. In addition to Royal Air Maroc and EgyptAir, airlines such as Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines continue to expand direct connections between major African cities and key US destinations, supporting trade, tourism, and investment flows between the two continents.
Industry observers believe the Los Angeles route could become particularly attractive to travelers from West and Central Africa who can connect through Casablanca, further enhancing Morocco’s strategic role as a regional transit hub. The service is expected to generate increased passenger traffic while creating new opportunities for tourism, business partnerships, and cultural exchange.
The timing of the launch is especially significant as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11. Los Angeles will play a central role in the tournament, hosting eight matches, including group-stage fixtures, knockout games, and a quarter-final encounter. The new direct route is expected to facilitate travel for football supporters, international visitors, corporate partners, and media personnel attending the global sporting event.
Beyond the immediate opportunities presented by the World Cup, the route also aligns with Morocco’s long-term ambitions as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Improved international connectivity is expected to play a critical role in supporting tourism growth, attracting investment, and showcasing Morocco’s infrastructure capabilities ahead of the tournament.
As passenger demand builds in the coming years, the performance of the Casablanca–Los Angeles service will be closely watched by aviation analysts. Its success could pave the way for additional long-haul routes connecting Africa directly to major destinations across North America, further strengthening the continent’s position in global air travel.
With the launch of this landmark route, Royal Air Maroc has not only expanded its international network but has also contributed to a broader transformation of Africa’s aviation landscape, creating new opportunities for connectivity, commerce, tourism, and global engagement.
