New Air Route Connects Essaouira to Seville, Boosting Tourism
A plane from the Spanish airline Vueling made a historic landing at Essaouira-Mogador International Airport on Saturday, marking the official start of a new air route connecting Seville, Spain, to the coastal city of Essaouira. This development signifies a major step forward in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting Essaouira as a prime tourist destination.
The new service, which operates once a week every Saturday, is expected to play a key role in strengthening Essaouira’s position on the international tourism map. The launch of this route not only improves accessibility for travelers but also opens up new opportunities for cultural exchange and economic growth.
Ceremony Celebrates New Connection
To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at the airport, attended by local officials, tourism operators, and representatives from Vueling. The event highlighted the significance of this new connection, which is seen as a reflection of the growing interest among European travelers in exploring the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
Redouane Khane, President of the Provincial Tourism Council, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch during an interview with MAP. He noted that this route marks the first direct connection between Essaouira and Seville, a city historically close to the region. According to Khane, the new route represents a major opportunity for the Andalusian market and will help diversify the tourist clientele while increasing Essaouira’s visibility by 2026.
Khane also acknowledged the contributions of institutional and private partners who supported the development of this new air link. He specifically praised the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) for its efforts in promoting Essaouira as a top travel destination.
Passenger Satisfaction and Growing Traffic
Several passengers who were interviewed by MAP shared their positive experiences regarding the new direct route. They emphasized the benefits of the service, including time savings, convenience, and improved accessibility between the two regions.
The launch of this new route coincides with a surge in passenger traffic at Essaouira-Mogador Airport. In September, the airport recorded a 48.62% increase in passenger numbers, welcoming 29,410 travelers compared to 19,789 in the same period in 2024. Aircraft movements also saw a significant rise, with a 53.52% increase, from 142 to 218 flights (including arrivals and departures).
Expanding International Connections
With the addition of Seville, Essaouira-Mogador Airport is now connected to around ten international destinations, primarily in Europe. These include cities such as Paris, London, Brussels, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Düsseldorf, Madrid, and now Seville. The airport also maintains a regular domestic route connecting it with Rabat.
This new air route is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving Essaouira’s accessibility and reinforcing its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city continues to strengthen its cultural and tourist influence on the global stage, attracting more visitors and investment.
