04-07-2025
Vueling Launches New Direct Flight Between Essaouira and Barcelona
Rabat– Essaouira International Airport welcomed a Vueling Airlines flight from Barcelona on Thursday, marking the inauguration of a brand-new air route connecting the Catalan capital with Morocco's windy city.
To celebrate the occasion, airport authorities hosted a ceremony attended by tourism officials, industry operators, and representatives of the Spanish airline, showcasing the growing international appeal of Essaouira as a travel destination.
Speaking to MAP, Abdelmounaim Aoutoul, director of Essaouira-Mogador International Airport, hailed the launch of the twice-weekly service as a milestone for the city's air connectivity. 'This new route is a significant addition to our flight offering, reflecting the airport's sustained growth over recent years,' he noted.
Passenger traffic at the airport increased by over 28% during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, Aoutoul added. Essaouira is currently connected to about ten international destinations, mostly in Europe, alongside a domestic service to Rabat. He also revealed plans to expand connectivity further this summer, with new flights to Nantes in France and Seville in Spain expected to begin in the coming months.
Redouane Khane, president of the Provincial Tourism Council, said the direct link with Barcelona is set to inject fresh momentum into Essaouira's tourism sector.
'This new service makes it easier for visitors from Spain and other European markets connected through Barcelona to reach Essaouira directly,' he explained, highlighting the role of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and other partners in supporting efforts to strengthen the city's visibility and accessibility abroad.
Passengers arriving on the inaugural flight expressed their satisfaction with how much time the convenient route saves, calling it a welcome alternative to longer and more complicated travel itineraries.
The launch of this route is part of a broader strategy to enhance access to Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city whose global reputation as a cultural and tourist hub continues to grow.
In 2024, Essaouira welcomed a record of over one million tourists, marking exceptional growth that transformed the city from a seasonal destination into a year-round attraction.
