Minister AbdeSamad Qayouh Discusses New Strategies to Enhance Domestic Air Connectivity in Morocco

During the public session of the House of Representatives dedicated to oral questions, AbdeSamad Qayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics, discussed a series of new strategies aimed at enhancing domestic air connectivity between various cities across Morocco. Qayouh emphasized the importance of developing the domestic transport sector, particularly air transport, as a key tool to facilitate travel between regions and areas within the country, contributing to the promotion of a culture of air travel in Morocco.

The minister explained that the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is focused on improving air links between both major and smaller cities, offering citizens an easy and convenient way to travel. He highlighted that Royal Air Maroc (RAM) had signed several agreements with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as the relevant regional councils. As a result of these agreements, new air routes were launched between cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Laayoune, Agadir, Tangier, and more. Among the prominent routes is the Casablanca-Laayoune route, which includes 14 weekly flights, in addition to other routes linking cities like Agadir and Dakhla, as well as Rabat and Laayoune. Qayouh confirmed that these new routes are designed to ease travel and foster increased mobility, ultimately strengthening economic and social integration across the country.

Furthermore, the minister stated that the ministry covers one-third of the costs to support these plans, which total approximately 60 million dirhams. This initiative aims to offer preferential fares to passengers, making air travel more accessible to the public. This support is part of the government’s efforts to develop this vital sector and make air travel an affordable option for everyone.

In the same context, the minister touched on the collaboration with private companies like “Air Arabia,” which has launched new air routes connecting cities such as Rabat and Agadir, Tangier and Agadir, as well as Agadir and Fes. These newly launched routes play a significant role in enhancing domestic air connectivity and facilitating travel between cities. Qayouh pointed out that these companies have benefited from government support amounting to 24 million dirhams, which has contributed to transporting approximately 364,000 passengers since the start of these routes.

The minister also outlined the Ministry’s plan to open up the domestic air transport sector to foreign companies as part of the “Open Sky” policy. He explained that this initiative aims to boost competitiveness and provide more options for travelers, which ultimately benefits citizens and strengthens air connectivity between the country’s cities. He mentioned that the airline “Ryanair” began operating flights in March 2024, launching 14 routes between nine Moroccan airports, thereby expanding the options available for travelers.

In conclusion, Abdel Samad Qayouh affirmed that these strategies form part of a comprehensive vision aimed at improving the quality of domestic air transport services and facilitating movement between different regions of Morocco. He added that the Ministry will continue its efforts to develop this sector in line with citizens’ expectations and contribute to supporting the national economy.

source : fesnews media

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