European low-cost carrier easyJet is expanding its presence in Africa. To support its growth in the region, the UK-based airline plans to open a new base in Marrakech, Morocco. easyJet will move three aircraft to the new base in the spring of 2026, marking its first base outside Europe.
More Opportunities In Constrained Airport Markets
On October 15, 2025, easyJet signed an agreement with the Moroccan National Tourism Office, allowing the low-cost carrier to base three aircraft at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) starting in spring 2026. For easyJet, the new base will serve as a convenient gateway to connect Morocco with more European destinations and ‘constrained airports’ across the region.
With the opening of the Marrakech base, easyJet will be able to offer a record four million seats in its first year of operation. It is worth noting that easyJet first began operating flights to Morocco in 2006. Next year, the airline will celebrate 20 years of operations in the country. Since then, easyJet has become the third-largest airline in Morocco and the second-largest in Marrakesh. Commenting on the airline’s growth, Kenton Jarvis, the CEO of easyJet, said:
“There is no doubt Morocco is a key market for easyJet: we are the largest carrier to Morocco from the UK and from Switzerland, Morocco is our fastest growing market outside Europe and a major destination for our easyJet holidays customers.”
Four New Routes To Morocco
Alongside the news of its new base at RAK Airport, easyJet has announced four new routes connecting Morocco, bringing the total number of routes to the country to 46. Three of the new routes will serve Marrakesh, while the fourth will connect Tangier, a city in northwest Morocco.
Starting March 30, 2026, easyJet will launch two weekly flights between Geneva Airport (GVA) and Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG), operating on Mondays and Thursdays. From May 1, 2026, the low-cost carrier will begin operations between Hamburg Airport (HAM) and Marrakesh (RAK), with two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Fridays. The third new route will connect Marrakesh (RAK) and Lille Airport (LIL), starting on May 3, 2026, with two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays.
| Route | Launch Date | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva-Tangier | March 30, 2026 | 2-weekly, Monday and Thursday |
| Hamburg-Marrakech | May 1, 2026 | 2-weekly, Tuesday and Friday |
| Lille-Marrakech | May 3, 2026 | 2-weekly, Wednesday and Sunday |
| Strasbourgh-Marrakech | May 3, 2026 | 2-weekly, Thursday and Sunday |
Meanwhile, the fourth new route will link RAK and Strasbourg Airport (SXB), also with two weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. At present, the airline has a total of 190 aircraft in its fleet, with an average age of 10.3 years, per ch-aviation. The fleet comprises 82 Airbus A320-200s, 50 Airbus A320neos, 47 Airbus A319s, and 11 Airbus A321neo narrowbody jets. Looking ahead, the carrier is awaiting 165 A321neo and 125 A320neo deliveries.
easyJet Attracts Interest From Potential Buyers
Recent reports indicate that, alongside its growth plans, easyJet is attracting interest from potential investors. According to a report by Corriere della Sera, the airline’s dossier is now being reviewed by several parties exploring the possibility of investing in one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines.
Among the names mentioned is Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the global logistics giant, which is reportedly collaborating with an investment fund. This information comes from three sources familiar with the ongoing discussions, as reported by Corriere. The markets reacted swiftly to the news, with easyJet shares surging 12% this week, their largest increase in three years.
