Ryanair launches new Manchester-Rabat route

Irish airline Ryanair is set to launch a new route linking Manchester to Rabat from March 30, with two weekly flights, Manchester Airport has announced.

The flights, operating on Wednesdays and Sundays, will make Rabat the fifth Moroccan destination accessible by direct flight from this airport in the north of England, alongside Tangiers, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir.

On its official website, Manchester Airport underlines Morocco’s growing appeal to British travellers. In 2024, almost half a million passengers flew to the Kingdom from Manchester, compared with 275,000 the previous year, testifying to the growing popularity of this destination.

Morocco is an increasingly popular destination for people in the north of England, said Stephen Turner, chief commercial officer of the airport, adding that Rabat offers an “unforgettable experience” that “will prove popular with passengers.”

The launch of this new air service was widely reported in the British media, which praised the charms of the Moroccan capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012.

The Sun described Rabat as a “discreet seaside jewel,” brimming with attractions including the Kasbah of Oudayas, the ancient medina, the banks of the Bouregreg river, and the must-see Hassan Tower, the city’s landmark since the 12th century.

The publication also praised the discreet, authentic character of the capital, in contrast to more popular tourist destinations.

In the same vein, The Chester Standard highlighted Rabat’s diversity of attractions, ranging from “golden sandy beaches, picturesque sites, gastronomy, grand architecture, and a long and fascinating history.”

Thanks to this new route, the Moroccan capital is set to appeal to an ever-growing public in search of a destination that combines culture, relaxation, and discovery.