The first direct flight operated by Canadian airline Air Transat between Montreal and Agadir landed on Saturday at Agadir Al Massira Airport, carrying 194 passengers and marking the launch of a new air link between Canada and southern Morocco.
The new route, with a flight time of approximately seven hours and 15 minutes, will operate once a week every Friday. It is expected to serve Morocco's large diaspora community in Canada, particularly in Montreal, while strengthening Agadir's position as a key gateway to Morocco's Atlantic regions.
Officials expect the connection to generate multiple economic benefits, including higher hotel occupancy rates, increased local economic activity, job creation, and a more balanced distribution of tourist flows across different regions of the Kingdom.
The launch is also viewed as an important step in Morocco's efforts to diversify its tourism source markets and reduce the seasonal nature of tourist arrivals.
Speaking to the Moroccan News Agency (MAP), Air Transat representative Abdo El Jaidi said the route establishes, for the first time, a direct connection between North America and southern Morocco, providing the Souss-Massa region with access to a promising tourism market with significant growth potential.
He added that the airline will operate the Montreal–Agadir service using a next-generation Airbus A321LR aircraft, designed to combine operational efficiency, passenger comfort and a reduced environmental footprint.
The launch comes as the Canadian market continues to gain importance for Morocco's tourism sector. More than 174,000 Canadian tourists visited Morocco by the end of August 2025, representing a 29 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The strong growth has positioned Canada among the priority markets targeted by the Moroccan National Tourist Office as part of its international expansion strategy.
Following the launch of the Montreal–Marrakech route in 2024, the new Montreal–Agadir service further reinforces Morocco's efforts to expand its air connectivity with North America and attract high-value tourism segments.
The opening of the route forms part of the broader international development strategy pursued by the Moroccan National Tourist Office, aimed at strengthening Morocco's presence in the North American market through expanded air links, diversified source markets, and greater promotion of the Kingdom's diverse tourism destinations.
