Royal Air Maroc (RAM) inaugurated its new direct air route between Casablanca and Es-Smara on Monday, marking a milestone in Morocco's efforts to enhance economic integration and connectivity across its southern provinces. The inaugural flight took off from Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport and landed in Es-Smara to a ceremonial «water salute», attended by government officials, regional leaders, and military representatives. Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh hailed the launch as the result of «collective and coordinated work» achieved in under six months. He emphasized that this new connection will reduce travel distances, facilitate citizen mobility, stimulate investment, and boost Es-Smara's economic appeal as an emerging logistics and investment hub in southern Morocco. «Es-Smara is poised to play a central and strategic role», Kayouh stated, referring to ongoing projects such as the Amgala–Tifariti road and plans to develop a logistics zone near the Mauritanian border. In coordination with the Royal Armed Forces, the Es-Smara airport will also be expanded and upgraded from Category C to Category B, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing and Airbus models. Es-Smara Governor Brahim Boutoumilate described the event as «a major milestone» for the province, opening new horizons for local development and economic integration. Hamdi Ould Errachid, president of the Laâyoune–Sakia El Hamra Regional Council, echoed this sentiment, noting that residents have welcomed the project with great enthusiasm, seeing it as part of the King's vision for the advancement of southern Morocco. Naoual Aït Hammou, RAM's Operations Director, highlighted that the national airline remains committed to providing accessible air transport while supporting territorial development. She announced that RAM's structured air network now links Laâyoune, Dakhla, Guelmim, Tan-Tan, and Es-Smara to major cities including Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Agadir, with 63 weekly flights offering an annual capacity of one million seats. This new route, operated twice a week, is the product of collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ministry of the Interior, RAM, the National Airports Office (ONDA), and regional authorities. It represents another step toward consolidating the socio-economic dynamism of Morocco's southern regions.
