Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia’s Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco’s Regional Aviation

Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Air Oasis Selects Embraer 195E2 Fleet for Morocco Operations

Air Oasis is pushing forward with its ambition to expand air travel within Morocco, focusing on Dakhla as a central hub. The airline has chosen the Embraer 195E2 as its initial aircraft, a move that hints at a strategy of connecting regional destinations with medium-haul flights. This plane, while offering a maximum passenger capacity of around 180, is known for its fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. This fits the current trend among airlines to lessen their impact on the environment. There is a chance that Air Oasis might explore other options like the Embraer 190E2, ERJ145, and even Airbus models as it builds out its fleet. It's worth noting that this development comes after Globalia's decision to pull out of similar plans in Dakhla. Air Oasis is undeterred and hopes to capitalize on increased tourism and local travel needs, potentially becoming a vital player in shaping Morocco's future of regional air travel. While the initial focus seems to be on domestic routes, there are hopes that the carrier will expand to offer service to European destinations as well, further increasing the reach of tourism in Morocco and possibly boosting travel competitiveness overall. Whether it can make a tangible difference in the air travel scene remains to be seen.

Air Oasis's decision to operate the Embraer 195E2 in Morocco is intriguing. This aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency, could significantly reduce operational costs, particularly on the shorter routes Air Oasis is aiming for. The E195E2's fuel burn is estimated to be up to 25% lower compared to the older E195 model, potentially making a big difference in the long run for a new airline like this.

One interesting implication of the aircraft choice is its range. Around 4,600 kilometers is enough for connecting many remote destinations within Morocco without needing to refuel. This opens the door for Air Oasis to potentially serve less developed areas, possibly leading to better accessibility across the country. While the aircraft's capacity (up to 146 passengers) is decent, it’s unclear if this will be enough on busier routes. We will have to see how the airline balances high-density configurations with passenger demand, especially during busy periods.

From a passenger perspective, the Embraer 195E2 might offer a more comfortable experience. The advanced cabin pressurization should make for smoother flights, especially at higher altitudes. This could be valuable for travellers, especially those who experience discomfort or fatigue during flights. The modernization of the cockpit with fly-by-wire technology seems like a good step for precision and potentially improved punctuality in arrivals and departures, a valuable feature for an airline building a new hub.

The lightweight construction, using new materials, is another interesting aspect. It will be fascinating to see how Air Oasis uses this to either reduce fuel consumption even further or increase cargo space for potential extra revenue. Given Dakhla’s growing tourism scene, centered around water sports and desert adventures, Air Oasis's hub positioning could be a shrewd move. However, it's crucial to see how the airline will develop its pricing strategy, given the aircraft's dual-class configuration.

The noise reduction technology on the E195E2, designed to minimize disturbance around airports, is becoming increasingly important for airlines. It will be interesting to see how this aligns with Air Oasis's strategy in areas with noise restrictions, and whether it proves a positive factor for passengers seeking a calmer travel experience. Finally, the onboard connectivity options offered by the aircraft are an important part of the passenger experience today. Travelers expect to stay connected throughout their journey, and this capability is likely to appeal to the tech-savvy individuals who are becoming a significant part of the tourism market. It’s too early to tell if this will give Air Oasis a significant edge in attracting passengers, but it's an undeniable trend in the industry.

What else is in this post?

1. Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Air Oasis Selects Embraer 195E2 Fleet for Morocco Operations
2. Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Low Cost Routes from Dakhla to Madrid and Paris Launch March 2025
3. Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Royal Air Maroc Responds with 50% Capacity Increase to Southern Morocco
4. Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Why Air Oasis Chose Dakhla Over Marrakech for Their Main Base
5. Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Morocco Plans $200 Million Airport Expansion in Dakhla by 2026
6. Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - What Globalia's Exit Means for Western African Aviation Markets

Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Low Cost Routes from Dakhla to Madrid and Paris Launch March 2025

Dakhla, a growing tourism hub in Morocco, is set to see a major boost in air connectivity starting March 2025. Ryanair will introduce budget-friendly flights between Dakhla and both Madrid and Paris, injecting much-needed capacity into the airport. These new direct routes will operate twice a week, potentially doubling the current number of international flights available from Dakhla. With an estimated 47,000 additional seats, the routes aim to make the area more accessible for European travelers and further solidify Dakhla's position as a popular tourist destination.

Ryanair becomes the fourth airline to offer international flights to Dakhla, a development that signifies growing interest in this part of Morocco. It's part of a larger push by the Moroccan government to attract European tourists to less-explored areas, contributing to a broader plan for economic growth in the region. While the long-term impact of this development remains uncertain, it certainly presents new opportunities for local tourism businesses and further establishes Dakhla as a travel destination on the European traveler's map. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts overall air travel options in the area.



Ryanair's decision to launch low-cost flights from Dakhla to Madrid and Paris in March 2025 is interesting from a few perspectives. Firstly, it highlights the growing importance of Dakhla as a tourist destination, especially for European travelers. Ryanair, known for its budget-friendly fares, is now the fourth airline offering direct international flights to Dakhla, joining Royal Air Maroc, Binter Canarias, and Transavia. The addition of these routes is expected to nearly double the international flight capacity at Dakhla Airport, with nearly 47,000 additional seats added to the market.

This move by Ryanair is also a sign of the growing trend in the aviation industry where low-cost carriers are aggressively expanding their networks, potentially challenging traditional airlines. It remains to be seen whether this strategy of low-cost travel and increased connectivity will be able to spur further growth in tourism to Dakhla. The potential to significantly lower airfare, perhaps even below €50 one-way, has the potential to open the region to a new class of travelers. Whether this translates to sustained tourism growth will hinge on factors such as overall tourist interest, infrastructure development, and the competitiveness of fares relative to other destinations.

It is also worth noting that Ryanair has entered into a partnership with the Moroccan National Tourism Office to promote these new routes. This suggests that the government recognizes the potential of increased tourism to the region, especially given the current broader initiative by the Tourism Minister to improve tourism infrastructure and make the destination more attractive to European tourists. The potential upswing in tourism related activity could lead to the creation of local jobs, positively impacting the local economy and potentially the wider region.

However, this expansion also brings with it potential challenges. How will Ryanair manage their fleet and schedule to effectively connect Dakhla with Madrid and Paris, especially as the market evolves? What operational strategies will they adopt to maintain consistently low fares and competitive edge? It's likely that they will have to juggle high-demand periods with regular seasonal shifts in tourism. Another question is the extent to which this will increase the competitiveness of tourism in Dakhla in relation to other destinations. We might observe an increased price war amongst airlines serving this market, leading to short-term benefits for tourists but potentially also a challenge for long-term profitability and airline viability.

The success of these new routes could also potentially lead to greater cultural exchange. While this is difficult to predict in a specific context, it could mean that more Europeans will discover Dakhla's unique natural beauty, leading to a better understanding of Moroccan culture, which may extend into areas such as gastronomy and art. The potential exists to create more opportunities for greater cultural interaction between Dakhla and Europe. However, the long-term effects of this on both regions remain to be seen and will depend on factors far beyond the actions of a single airline.

Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Royal Air Maroc Responds with 50% Capacity Increase to Southern Morocco

Royal Air Maroc is responding to the growing popularity of Southern Morocco with a substantial 50% increase in flight capacity. This move comes alongside Air Oasis's plans to establish a new air hub in Dakhla, a development that gained momentum after Globalia withdrew its involvement. The national carrier anticipates a surge in travelers during the upcoming summer season and is preparing accordingly. As part of a broader strategy, Royal Air Maroc aims to dramatically increase its fleet size by 2037, with the goal of positioning Casablanca's airport as a key international transit point. This initiative demonstrates that Morocco's aviation sector is thriving, driven by ongoing investments in infrastructure and connectivity. It's a sign of the times as Morocco's tourism industry continues to attract attention and the country becomes more accessible to domestic and international travelers. This rise in flight options, with more airlines considering the region, could dramatically change how people experience Southern Morocco in the years to come.

Morocco's national airline, Royal Air Maroc, has significantly boosted its flight capacity to Southern Morocco by 50%. This move is a clear indication of the growing travel demand to regions like Dakhla, where tourism is on the rise. It's a fascinating strategic response to the evolving travel landscape, where airlines are increasingly adjusting their schedules to meet passenger interest.

This expansion, driven by expectations of a significant tourist boom, could inject substantial funds into the local economies of destinations like Dakhla. With easier access and increased flight options, the region's businesses and local communities could see a direct financial benefit.

By increasing its route options and frequency, Royal Air Maroc effectively builds a more comprehensive network that can connect a wider range of travelers to different parts of the country more efficiently and perhaps also at more affordable prices. Travelers can expect to see a larger range of flight schedules and potential fare variations, possibly making it more convenient and cost-effective to visit Southern Morocco.

It appears that many tourists are increasingly interested in adventure-oriented travel experiences. Dakhla, known for its windsurfing, kitesurfing, and desert adventures, is perfectly positioned to capture this trend. Royal Air Maroc's strategy clearly seems aligned with this growing travel inclination, potentially opening the area to a new pool of travelers looking for more immersive experiences.

The capacity expansion does, however, pose a potential challenge for other airlines serving Southern Morocco, including newer, low-cost carriers like Ryanair. We might see a competitive response in terms of pricing as they try to remain competitive in this increasingly busy travel market. Lower prices could benefit travelers in the short term but might also increase operational pressures for all carriers involved.

Beyond leisure travelers, this increased flight capacity could stimulate business travel to the region as well. Southern Morocco is experiencing economic growth, attracting investors and professionals to its developing economy, and the enhanced air travel options make business trips more attractive.

To retain its competitive edge, Royal Air Maroc might need to introduce more flexible fares, enhanced loyalty programs, or other incentives to keep pace with low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which are actively trying to become a significant presence in the market.

The continued increase in flight capacity could pave the way for direct flights from various international destinations. Such new international routes could significantly increase the reach of tourism within Morocco, possibly opening doors to a wider range of travelers from outside of Europe.

Ultimately, easier travel access through increased flight capacity might boost cultural exchanges between Morocco and other parts of the world, particularly Europe. Travelers could have greater exposure to Morocco's cuisine, art, and cultural landscape, potentially enriching both sides of the interaction. Whether this trend continues and benefits both the travelers and the regions will depend on several other factors and remains to be seen.

Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Why Air Oasis Chose Dakhla Over Marrakech for Their Main Base

Air Oasis's decision to establish its main base in Dakhla instead of Marrakech is a calculated move centered around the airport's potential as a regional hub. They're looking to cater to the growing medium-haul market, aiming to provide more accessible and affordable flights, both within Morocco and to Europe. Dakhla's strategic location makes it ideal for reaching other parts of the country, and the area's growing tourism appeal, fueled by its natural attractions, perfectly complements the airline's vision. They seem to believe Dakhla's potential as a travel destination is better suited to their plans compared to Marrakech, a well-established destination with a larger, yet possibly more mature aviation infrastructure. This shift in focus has the ability to invigorate Morocco's regional air travel, though it remains to be seen if this will put pressure on existing players in the aviation market. With this new hub, Air Oasis wants to be a force that increases travel options and potentially enhances the tourism experience in Southern Morocco, but success will depend on a lot of factors and how they manage their operations and costs.

Air Oasis's decision to establish its main base in Dakhla instead of Marrakech stems from a calculated assessment of several factors. Dakhla's geographical position close to the Canary Islands makes it a potential focal point for flights connecting Europe and Africa, offering advantages in optimizing flight routes and potentially faster travel times. This strategic location is key to the airline's broader plan to focus on medium-haul routes.

Furthermore, Dakhla is emerging as a destination of choice for adventure tourism, driven by a surge in popularity of kitesurfing and windsurfing, aligning with the airline's vision to target a younger demographic seeking less conventional travel experiences. This emerging trend presents a unique opportunity to tap into a segment of the travel market less focused on established tourist hotspots.

Dakhla's airport offers a cost advantage compared to Marrakech due to lower landing fees and other airport expenses, giving Air Oasis a greater opportunity to offer competitive prices and explore potential for lower-cost fares on a wider network of routes. While Air Oasis expects to operate larger aircraft such as the Embraer 195E2, Dakhla's airport hasn't seen the same kind of congestion as Marrakech, which might potentially help the airline with maintaining consistent operations and passenger service.

The Dakhla hub is expected to support direct routes to key markets in Western Europe, a strategy intended to attract both leisure and business travellers in an increasingly competitive air travel environment. The airline seems to be betting on the potential growth of the area. The local government is already anticipating a considerable increase in tourist numbers over the next five years, fueled by improved air connectivity.

Moreover, Dakhla's airport is undergoing modernization efforts to cater to the increasing number of flights, with improvements to air traffic control and processing systems aimed at minimizing flight delays and enhancing the overall passenger experience. This could become a crucial selling point as the airport evolves.

It's not just about beach tourism anymore, Dakhla is developing a multifaceted tourism portfolio with offerings in adventure sports and cultural tourism. This diverse appeal makes it a more compelling option for a broader spectrum of tourists, potentially expanding the local economy. It remains to be seen how quickly the local infrastructure will catch up, but the potential seems to be there.

The entrance of Air Oasis into the Moroccan market has triggered reactions from incumbents, notably Royal Air Maroc. This emerging competition could stimulate a wave of innovation in services and pricing strategies, potentially benefitting travelers with greater choices and, potentially, even better deals.

Dakhla's culinary landscape, while still somewhat undiscovered, presents another opportunity for the region to expand its tourism base. With local Moroccan flavors and seafood dishes gaining attention, the prospect of culinary tourism might contribute to a more globally recognizable profile for the region. It is unknown whether this trend will last, and much depends on whether Dakhla can capitalize on its unique features and promote itself effectively.

Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - Morocco Plans $200 Million Airport Expansion in Dakhla by 2026

Morocco is investing heavily in expanding its aviation capabilities, with a notable $200 million project to upgrade Dakhla Airport by 2026. This substantial investment is part of a broader effort by the national airport authority to improve airport infrastructure across the country. The goal is to handle a projected surge in air travel, which is expected to double by 2035, driven by factors like Morocco's bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Dakhla has already shown significant signs of becoming a popular travel hub, especially for those looking for adventure and watersports. The airport improvements, alongside the introduction of new airlines and routes, aim to solidify its position as a destination of choice for both domestic and international travelers, particularly from Europe. This is a key part of Morocco's strategy to boost tourism and economic activity in the region.

While this expansion holds considerable promise, the success of the Dakhla Airport project will hinge on how well Morocco's aviation sector adapts to competition and evolving travel preferences. It will be intriguing to see how the anticipated increase in flight options and passenger volume affects the overall landscape of Moroccan aviation and whether Dakhla truly fulfills its potential as a major travel gateway.

Morocco's plans to significantly expand Dakhla Airport by 2026, with a projected investment of $200 million, are fascinating from a logistical and economic perspective. The country's aviation authority has a broader agenda of improving airport infrastructure, aiming to double passenger capacity by 2035. This coincides with Morocco's ambitions to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, putting a strong emphasis on handling more visitors.

The modernization of Dakhla Airport specifically is driven by a sole bidder, Bouygues' subsidiary GTR, under a contract of 98 million USD. This shows that Morocco is actively promoting Dakhla as a key investment hub. This has led to an increase in private and business aviation activity in Dakhla. A newly opened terminal dedicated to this market suggests a strong belief in the future growth of the region, potentially leading to a stronger influx of executives and wealthy individuals. The idea seems to be to turn Dakhla into a 'business-friendly' air gateway and potentially a regional hub within Morocco.

Dakhla's location near the Canary Islands allows for the optimization of routes between Europe and Africa, presenting an advantage for those flying into this part of Morocco. The rise of adventure tourism, including windsurfing and kitesurfing, has also fueled the need for greater air connectivity. This potentially shifts the appeal of the area away from traditional tourism towards a more active demographic.

The expansion of Dakhla Airport is an example of Morocco's strategy of enhancing its aviation infrastructure in less developed areas to support local economies. The reduced airport fees compared to larger hubs like Marrakech are likely intended to lower operational costs for airlines operating in Dakhla, a key factor for attracting low-cost airlines. The government also appears to anticipate a substantial increase in tourists, expecting a considerable rise in visitor numbers over the next few years.

Beyond the airport itself, the region is also undergoing a significant transformation in terms of attracting investment and diversifying tourism. Instead of relying purely on the beach experience, there's a focus on establishing cultural attractions that potentially create a more sustainable economic foundation for the area. The fact that Royal Air Maroc has responded with a 50% increase in flights to the region also suggests an acknowledgment of the growing potential of Dakhla and the rest of Southern Morocco. This growth is likely to generate opportunities for local economies through jobs related to tourism and service providers in general. It will be interesting to see how quickly this expansion and infrastructure upgrade can take place in such a remote area.

The emergence of Dakhla as a culinary tourism destination is also intriguing, with the area's Moroccan and seafood dishes gradually attracting more attention. If successful, this will add another layer to Dakhla's allure, making it more unique than other tourist destinations in Morocco and globally. It remains to be seen how this trend will impact the region in the long term, with success being highly dependent on the development of proper promotional and infrastructural strategies. Overall, the future of Dakhla appears promising as the government pushes to develop tourism and create more business opportunities, but the ultimate outcome is linked to many factors beyond just the airport expansion.

Air Oasis Plans New Dakhla Hub Despite Globalia's Withdrawal What This Means for Morocco's Regional Aviation - What Globalia's Exit Means for Western African Aviation Markets

Globalia's departure from Western African aviation markets could trigger a reshuffling of the regional airline landscape. It might create a vacuum that local airlines, perhaps even low-cost carriers like Ryanair or the newly-formed Air Oasis, could fill. This change could lead to more dynamic pricing strategies, potentially providing more choices for travellers, especially those on a budget, and stimulating tourism growth.

The increasing demand for travel to Southern Morocco, evident in Royal Air Maroc’s decision to boost flight capacity by 50%, hints at a significant shift in traveler preferences. The anticipated surge in air travel by 2035, fueled by projects like the potential FIFA World Cup co-hosting, underscores the importance of strategically adapting aviation infrastructure and services. This growing demand could pressure airlines to improve routes and expand their services to capture more of the market share.


The considerable investment in Dakhla Airport, with a planned expansion that could more than double passenger capacity, highlights Morocco's commitment to positioning it as a prominent air travel hub. This growth trajectory, targeting over 2 million passengers annually by 2035, represents a major opportunity for local economic development, but it will be interesting to see if it can truly fulfill its potential as a regional player.

Dakhla’s appeal is shifting, attracting a new breed of adventurous travelers interested in activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing. This change in traveler demographics presents a challenge for airlines to understand these needs and tailor their services, marketing, and overall experience to cater to this segment of the market. It remains to be seen whether this shift leads to greater economic benefits for the region.


The increased flight activity from Dakhla could create significant opportunities in air cargo. This aspect has the potential to provide a valuable revenue stream for the region by allowing local businesses to export unique goods such as seafood and local crafts. This avenue could significantly enhance the diversification of income streams for local communities.


Air Oasis's decision to deploy newer, more efficient aircraft like the Embraer 195E2 suggests an innovative approach to cost management. These advancements in aircraft technology could potentially reduce operational expenses by up to 25%, directly impacting ticket prices and strengthening the competitive landscape. It remains to be seen if lower prices become a sustained benefit for tourists.


With multiple airlines now focused on Dakhla, potential market saturation could become a concern. In such a competitive environment, airlines will likely need to innovate beyond pricing strategies and focus on offering a wider array of services or better overall travel experiences to retain customer loyalty and maximize profits. This dynamic might lead to rapid changes in the market.


The developing culinary scene in Dakhla offers a unique opportunity to promote tourism beyond just the beach and the associated adventure activities. It's possible that the unique local flavors and the growing presence of seafood might attract a different segment of travelers. It is questionable whether this can successfully differentiate Dakhla from other tourist locations in Morocco, or the wider world.


The collaboration between Ryanair and the Moroccan National Tourism Office highlights a strategic alignment between aviation and broader tourism development initiatives. Such integrated efforts can foster more effective and streamlined travel marketing strategies, maximizing the benefits for airlines and the tourism sector.


Increased air connectivity between Europe and Morocco could accelerate cultural exchange. This isn't just about tourism but also about the creation of business and social connections. Such increased interaction has the potential to enrich both communities but requires careful and sustained effort to build true connections that benefit all stakeholders involved. The outcomes remain uncertain but have significant potential in the long-run.