Transavia Triples Flights to Ouarzazate and Dakhla: Morocco Boosts Direct Tourism from France

Morocco is ramping up direct air links with France as Transavia triples summer flights to Ouarzazate and Dakhla, part of a broader strategy to attract French tourists year-round and reduce seasonality. The low-cost carrier will operate three weekly flights between Paris-Orly and each destination starting this summer, up from two, as part of a strengthened partnership with the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT).

This move follows months of negotiations between the ONMT and Transavia, with a clear goal: sustain these new frequencies beyond the peak season. Ouarzazate will now see flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while Dakhla will be served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Beyond the numbers, the strategy reflects Morocco’s ambition to position itself as an accessible and diverse tourist destination, moving away from seasonal mass tourism.

For the ONMT, this air connectivity boost is just one pillar of a wider plan to make Morocco a top-tier destination. The office is focusing on targeted marketing campaigns and partnerships with tour operators to highlight authentic experiences, avoiding the clichés of traditional package tours. Ouarzazate, for instance, is being promoted as a standalone destination, with locally organized circuits and luxury desert camps. Meanwhile, Dakhla is being positioned as a premium hub for kitesurfing, ecotourism, and upscale stays.

Transavia isn’t the only player betting on this potential. Major tour operators like Fram, Voyage Privé, and Étapes Marocaines have already integrated these destinations into their offerings, with bundled packages including flights and accommodations. This synergy could propel Morocco to the forefront of European travel by 2026.

Transavia and ONMT Seal a Winning Partnership for French Travelers

While Morocco isn’t a new destination for French travelers, accessibility remains a challenge. This partnership aims to meet growing demand for direct, non-stop flights at competitive prices. The new schedules are designed to ease connections and offer greater flexibility. For Ouarzazate, Wednesday and Saturday flights allow for extended desert getaways, while Tuesday and Thursday departures are ideal for short three-day trips.

The ONMT’s goal is ambitious: double the number of French tourist arrivals by 2030. To achieve this, the office is combining increased air capacity, targeted promotions, and the development of new experiences. Ouarzazate and Dakhla are the first to benefit, but other Moroccan destinations like Marrakech or Agadir could follow, where low-cost bases are already established.

For Transavia, this is an opportunity to strengthen its position in the French market. By expanding its network, the airline aims to attract adventure-seeking travelers while capitalizing on the trend for direct, hassle-free trips. Flights to Ouarzazate and Dakhla are already open for booking, with early-bird fares available.

Ouarzazate and Dakhla: Two Complementary Destinations

Often called the "Gateway to the Desert," Ouarzazate is a magnet for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It’s the perfect starting point for excursions to kasbahs, the Dadès Gorges, or the dunes of Merzouga. The ONMT is leveraging this region to attract immersive-experience seekers, with locally organized circuits offered by agencies like Étapes Marocaines or Evaneos. These operators provide tailor-made stays combining hiking, kasbah visits, and luxury desert camps.

In Dakhla, the focus is on niche activities like kitesurfing, ecotourism, and high-end stays. The region is already a global hotspot for water sports, with spots suitable for all levels. Tour operators such as Voyage Privé or Cercle des Voyages have developed packages combining flights and stays at premium properties like Selina or Caravan by Habitas. The aim is to position Dakhla as a luxury destination while maintaining accessibility via direct flights from Paris.

Both destinations boast favorable summer weather, with pleasant temperatures and near-constant sunshine. For French travelers, they offer an exotic alternative to traditional getaways in Spain or Italy, blending authenticity with adventure. Transavia’s new frequencies could soon make these cities must-visit destinations in Moroccan tourism.

A Virtuous Economic Model for Morocco and Tour Operators

This air strategy is part of a virtuous economic model for Morocco. By increasing transport capacity, the ONMT and Transavia are boosting the local economy, with direct benefits for hotels, receptive agencies, and tourism stakeholders. In Ouarzazate, demand for desert camps and riads has already surged, with bookings up for July and August. Tour operators like Fram or Étapes Marocaines offer organized circuits through the city, with packages including flights and accommodations.

In Dakhla, the impact is even more pronounced, with a rise in bookings for kitesurfing and ecotourism stays. High-end properties like Selina Dakhla or PK25 are fully booked for the summer season, and operators expect sustained demand in the coming months. The ONMT is banking on this momentum to attract investments in the hospitality sector and solidify Dakhla’s status as a premium destination.

For travelers, this strategy translates into competitive fares and a broader range of options. Transavia flights to Ouarzazate and Dakhla start at €150 round-trip, with packages including accommodations and activities. Tour operators offer all-inclusive deals, from organized circuits to bespoke stays, catering to all budgets.

Looking Ahead: Morocco’s Ambitious 2030 Tourism Strategy

The recent announcements by Transavia and the ONMT are just the beginning of a broader strategy. Morocco aims to become a tourism powerhouse in Africa, with a goal to double tourist arrivals by 2030. To achieve this, the ONMT is leveraging multiple levers: expanding air capacity, targeted promotions, and developing new experiences. Ouarzazate and Dakhla are the first to benefit, but other destinations like Marrakech, Agadir, or Essaouira could follow.

The objective is to position Morocco as a credible alternative to traditional destinations like Spain or Italy, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience. While Transavia’s new frequencies to Ouarzazate and Dakhla are a first step, the ONMT is already working on further projects to enhance the kingdom’s accessibility. Partnerships with other airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet could materialize in the coming months, with new routes from Europe.

For French travelers, this evolution is excellent news. Morocco is becoming a more accessible destination, with direct flights and competitive fares. Transavia’s expanded network to Ouarzazate and Dakhla is an opportunity not to be missed to explore two regions with complementary appeal: the desert and the ocean. With an increasingly diverse tourism offering, Morocco could well be the star destination of summer 2026.