A Direct Bridge Across the Atlantic: Royal Air Maroc Opens Nonstop Los Angeles–Casablanca Link

First nonstop link from L.A. to Morocco shortens the trip and widens options

Royal Air Maroc has opened the first nonstop air link between Los Angeles and Casablanca, a move that cuts travel time and brings California and Morocco closer for tourists, families and businesses. The new flights mean passengers no longer need a European or Middle Eastern stop to travel between the U.S. West Coast and North Africa. For people in both places, that will save hours and make one-stop connections within Africa and the Americas easier.

Royal Air Maroc says the nonstop service launches next year and will operate multiple weekly flights using its long-range Dreamliner jets. The carrier is pitching the route as both a convenience for Moroccan-Americans and a fresh option for U.S. travelers wanting easier access to Morocco and wider West African connections. The route follows growing demand for direct links from North America to Africa, a trend airlines have been testing in recent years.

That matters because shorter trips usually mean more visitors, more family reunions and more business meetings — all of which can change how people move between continents.

How the new flights will run

Royal Air Maroc plans to fly the Los Angeles–Casablanca route with its long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner family. These jets are built for long nonstop trips and are quieter and more fuel-efficient than older aircraft, which helps on a roughly 11-to-12 hour ocean crossing.

The airline has said the service will begin next year and initially operate several flights per week. Royal Air Maroc framed the schedule to match connections beyond Casablanca — the airline wants passengers from Los Angeles to have simple one-stop access to many cities in Morocco and West Africa. If demand grows, the carrier signaled it could add frequency or change aircraft size.

Flights will operate out of Los Angeles International Airport and land at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, the airline’s main hub, letting travelers connect onward without swapping carriers. Expect a mix of economy and premium seats; Royal Air Maroc often includes a business class with lie-flat seats on its long-haul Dreamliners.

A new travel corridor for people and trade

The nonstop creates a more direct corridor between the U.S. West Coast and North Africa. For Moroccan-Americans in California and nearby states, it means simpler visits home. For American tourists, it removes a stopover and makes Morocco a more realistic option for a weeklong trip. That kind of convenience usually raises demand.

Beyond leisure travel, Casablanca is a gateway city. From there, Royal Air Maroc operates many connections into West Africa and parts of Europe and the Middle East. The new nonstop turns Los Angeles into a single connection away from places that previously required two stops from the West Coast, which can open business ties and faster cargo movement for certain goods.

Airlines often use such long routes to build hub traffic: carry passengers from many cities into one hub, then spread them out across regions. For Royal Air Maroc, flying directly to Los Angeles can bring more U.S. travelers through Casablanca to Morocco and beyond, and it gives West Coast travelers more straightforward options to reach destinations across Africa.

What this could mean for Morocco, California and airlines

Shorter, easier travel tends to boost tourism. Morocco has been pushing to attract more visitors, and a direct link from Los Angeles could bring more Californians during summer and holiday seasons. More tourists mean more spending on hotels, restaurants and tours, plus more work for local transport and guides.

On the business side, a direct connection can make Morocco a more practical meeting point for U.S. and African companies. It could help trade in items that travel well by air — fashion, perishables and time-sensitive parts — though most heavy trade will still move by ship.

For airlines, the route is a bet. If traffic grows, Royal Air Maroc can gain steady revenue and stronger brand recognition on the West Coast. If not, the airline could scale back frequency. Airports also stand to gain from landing fees, retail sales and longer hotel stays by travelers making Casablanca their hub to Africa.

Practical tips for passengers from L.A. to Casablanca

If you’re thinking of flying this route, start by checking the launch schedule and seat availability on the airline’s website or reliable booking platforms. Expect a long overnight or daytime flight depending on the chosen time; pack for comfort with layers, a travel pillow, and noise-cancelling earbuds if you have them.

Visa rules vary by nationality; U.S. citizens can visit Morocco visa-free for short stays, but other travelers should check entry rules well before booking. Baggage allowances will follow the airline’s published rules; long-haul economy fares sometimes include one checked bag while basic promotional fares do not. Finally, look at connection times in Casablanca if you’re continuing to other African cities — allow extra time for customs and security.

Sources

• prnewswire.com