Royal Air Maroc is set to make aviation history with the launch of the first nonstop flight connecting the U.S. West Coast with Africa. Beginning June 7, 2026, the Moroccan flag carrier will introduce direct service between Los Angeles and Casablanca, opening a new long-haul corridor that links Southern California with North Africa in approximately 11 hours. The route represents a significant milestone for global travel, expanding options for leisure travelers, diaspora communities, and businesses seeking more efficient connections across continents.
The new service will operate three times per week and be flown using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, a choice that reflects both efficiency and passenger comfort on long-distance routes. For travelers departing from Los Angeles, the flight offers a streamlined gateway to Morocco and onward connections across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East via Casablanca. For Morocco, the route further strengthens Casablanca’s position as a strategic hub connecting three continents while tapping into growing demand from the U.S. West Coast.
This expansion is also closely tied to rising global travel flows ahead of major international events. With Morocco set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the airline is positioning itself early to capture long-term demand rather than reacting at the last minute. The Los Angeles route complements Royal Air Maroc’s existing North American network, which already includes cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, Montreal, and Toronto, while reinforcing its broader ambition to grow intercontinental connectivity.
A New Route Launches as U.S. Air Travel Rules Shift
The timing of Royal Air Maroc’s West Coast expansion coincides with a period of major transformation for U.S. air travel. In 2026, travelers flying internationally from the United States will face a noticeably different airport experience as new security and documentation requirements come into force. Mandatory REAL ID enforcement, expanded biometric screening, and AI-supported security lanes are expected to reshape how passengers move through airports, particularly at large international hubs like Los Angeles International Airport.
For travelers heading to Casablanca, these changes may initially add a layer of adjustment but are designed to streamline the journey over time. Digital identity verification, reduced reliance on boarding passes, and upgraded screening technology aim to shorten queues and improve flow, especially for long-haul international travelers. While transitional periods often come with confusion, airlines launching new global routes are betting that improved infrastructure will ultimately enhance passenger confidence and airport efficiency.
The convergence of a historic new intercontinental route and evolving airport procedures underscores a broader shift in how long-haul travel is developing. Airlines are increasingly targeting underserved city pairs, while governments modernize security frameworks to handle rising passenger volumes more effectively. For travelers, the Los Angeles–Casablanca route represents not just a new destination pairing, but a signal that global air travel is entering a new phase – one defined by direct connectivity, modern aircraft, and a reimagined airport experience.
As 2026 approaches, Royal Air Maroc’s latest move positions both Los Angeles and Casablanca at the center of this transition, offering travelers a new way to cross the Atlantic while navigating a rapidly changing aviation landscape.