Speaking upon arrival on the first flight, Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh emphasized that the launch of this route in under six months reflects a collective and coordinated effort among all institutional partners.
According to the minister, this connection will help reduce travel time, improve citizens’ mobility, encourage investment, and boost the economic appeal of Es-Smara as “a new logistics and investment hub in southern Morocco.”
Kayouh reaffirmed that this initiative falls within the Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who continues to prioritize the integrated development of the southern provinces through major structural projects promoting social and economic integration, while reinforcing the Sahara’s strategic role as Morocco’s gateway to Africa.
“The city of Es-Smara is destined to play a central and strategic role in the future,” he said, citing major projects underway such as the road linking Amgala to Tifariti and the launch of studies for a new logistics zone near the Mauritanian border.
He added that, in coordination with the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), the Es-Smara airport will be expanded to accommodate larger aircraft and reclassified from Category C to Category B, allowing it to receive Boeing and Airbus planes.
For his part, Es-Smara’s Governor Brahim Boutoumilate described the opening of the city’s airport to civil flights as a major event for the province, saying it opens new and promising prospects for development and economic integration.
Meanwhile, Hamdi Ould Errachid, President of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra Regional Council, stated that Es-Smara is now fully aligned with an integrated development plan as part of the region’s growing air transport network. He stressed that this achievement reflects the Royal Vision for advancing Morocco’s southern provinces and has been met with great satisfaction by local residents.
Naoual Aït Hammou, RAM’s Operations Director, explained that the national carrier remains committed to ensuring accessible air transport services, placing citizens at the core of its mission and regional development strategy. She added that RAM now operates a structured network connecting Laâyoune, Dakhla, Guelmim, Tan-Tan, and Es-Smara to Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Agadir, with 63 weekly flights and an annual capacity of one million seats.
This new route, operated twice weekly, is the result of close coordination between the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Ministry of the Interior, RAM, the National Airports Office (ONDA), and regional and provincial councils.
The inaugural flight was marked by the traditional “water salute” ceremony and attended by high-ranking officials, including Abdeslam Bikrat, Wali of the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region; Major General Mohammed Benlouali, Chief of Staff of the Southern Zone; Nacer Boulaajoul, Director of the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA); as well as several civil and military authorities, elected officials, and regional economic and institutional leaders.
Editorial team/le7tv