For the first time in aviation history, travellers will be able to fly nonstop between the US West Coast and Africa. Royal Air Maroc has announced the launch of a direct service linking Los Angeles and Casablanca, a landmark route that will begin operations in June 2026 and significantly reduce travel times between the two regions.
The new service will operate three times per week and will take approximately 11 hours. Until now, journeys between the US West Coast and Africa have required at least one stop in Europe or on the US East Coast, often pushing total travel times beyond 20 hours. The new nonstop connection represents a major shift in transcontinental air travel.
Royal Air Maroc confirmed that the route will launch on Sunday, 7 June 2026. Flights will depart from Los Angeles International Airport at 10:20 am and arrive in Casablanca at 5:25 am the following day. The return service will leave Casablanca at 4:00 am and arrive in Los Angeles at 8:20 am.
The route will be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which form the backbone of Royal Air Maroc’s long-haul fleet. The aircraft are known for improved fuel efficiency, reduced cabin noise, and enhanced passenger comfort on long-distance journeys.
A strategic route driven by global demand
Royal Air Maroc says the new connection responds to growing intercontinental travel demand, particularly in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Los Angeles is one of the tournament’s host cities, with matches scheduled at SoFi Stadium, including the United States’ opening game on 13 June.
The airline expects strong demand from a wide range of travellers, including members of the Moroccan and African diasporas, American tourists, business travellers, and football fans travelling between Africa, Europe, and North America.
“This direct route to Los Angeles is much more than a new destination; it marks a historic milestone for Royal Air Maroc and for air connectivity across the African continent,” said Hamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Maroc.
“It embodies our ambition to bring Morocco closer to major global economic, tourism, and cultural hubs while supporting the Kingdom’s momentum of global engagement. As a key player in tourism, Royal Air Maroc contributes to strengthening the visibility of Morocco in the US, one of the largest outbound travel markets.”
Casablanca strengthens its hub status
With the launch of the Los Angeles route, Casablanca further reinforces its position as a major aviation hub connecting Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Royal Air Maroc has long positioned the city as a strategic gateway to the African continent, offering onward connections to destinations across West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa.
The airline’s broader development plan includes expanding its fleet, opening new international routes, and increasing both long-haul and domestic frequencies. In North America, Royal Air Maroc already operates services to New York, Washington D.C., Miami, Montreal, and Toronto. The addition of Los Angeles marks its first destination on the US Pacific Coast.
The airline has also announced increased frequencies on other strategic routes, including Miami, Washington D.C., São Paulo, and Dubai, as part of its wider network expansion.
The timing of the new service also aligns with Morocco’s longer-term ambitions ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2030, which the country will co-host with Portugal and Spain.
@vagaviationlax Royal Air Maroc ✈️#lax #aviation #avgeek #planes #planespotting #aviation#avgeeks ♬ California Love (Remix) – 2Pac
A first for the US Pacific Coast
While African airlines have served the United States for decades, the Los Angeles Casablanca route represents the first true nonstop air link between Africa and the US West Coast. Ethiopian Airlines previously operated services between Los Angeles and Addis Ababa, but these flights included intermediate stops in Dublin or Lomé in Togo and were discontinued in 2019.
As a result, Royal Air Maroc’s new service stands alone in offering a direct connection between the two regions, opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Tickets for the route are already on sale via Royal Air Maroc’s website, with return economy class fares starting at approximately $845.
