Air Arabia, a leading low-cost airline officially inaugurated connections out of Saniat R’mel Airport in Tetouan on Tuesday, according to a press release.
Several dignitaries attended the opening ceremony, including the governor of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Younes Tazi; Head of Air Arabia Maroc, Laila Mechbal; Saniat R’mel Airport’s Director, Hassan Limouni; and representatives from the National Airports Office (ONDA), among other relevant dignitaries.
Mechbal elucidated the importance of Air Arabia’s network growth, including the introduction of 13 direct flights to five European destinations: Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Brussels.
She noted Tetouan’s growing tourist attractiveness, with the added benefit to its proximity to Chefchaouen, the renowned Blue City. This opening marks the company’s sixth Moroccan destination.
Youssef Bennani, ONDA’s Marketing and Commercial Director, indicated that this new locale helps resolve the growing demand for airline service, explaining that Saniat R’mel Airport will accommodate 253,552 passengers in 2023, up 35% from 187,842 the previous year.
Saniat R’mel Airport, located approximately seven kilometers from Tetouan, welcomed 100,000 passengers for the first time on August 25, 2022. The airport presently hosts a multitude of carriers, including Royal Air Maroc, Tui Fly, Ryanair, and, during peak seasons, Air Nostrum.