Delta Air Lines has announced that it will be adding year-round service to Marrakesh as of October 2025, operating three times a week with a Boeing 767-400ER. The new route will make Delta the second US airline to offer flights to the Moroccan city after United Airlines which launched a connection from Newark in October last year.
Marrakesh, previously void of any service to the United States, has seen significant growth in terms of capacity, further stimulating demand. While previously heavily reliant on European tourism, Marrakesh’s expanding intercontinental network is a testament to its growing popularity further afield.
The carrier has also announced it will be adding seasonal flights to Accra, Ghana from its Atlanta hub as of December to cater to increased demand during the winter season. This new route will coexist with existing service from New York JFK.
2nd US airline to Marrakesh
OAG Traffic Analyzer data for August 2023 to July 2024 shows just under 20,000 two-way passengers traveled between the city pair. From Atlanta, Marrakesh represents the fifth largest Africa market by number of two-way passengers.
Photo: GB-Photographie | Shutterstock
Lagos, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Nairobi all boast higher demand, though all benefit from existing direct flights except for the Kenyan capital. In other words, Marrakesh is also the second largest unserved market in Africa from Atlanta.
Connecting traffic will be essential to the success of this route, especially considering that three weekly flights on a Boeing 767 provide about 6,000 two-way seats per month. While the launch of a nonstop connection will stimulate ATL-RAK demand, this might not be enough.
Delta says 125 cities are one stop away from Marrakesh, an asset it will look to leverage to fill its planes. Key markets include:
- New York*: 31,300 passengers
- Washington*: 12,300
- Boston*: 7,800
- Los Angeles: 8,600
- Chicago: 7,300
- San Francisco: 5,000
*Even if this requires passengers to backtrack, Delta might be able to capture at least part of this market.
Photo: GCMap
Delta will become the second airline to launch flights to Marrakesh from the US, after United Airlines did so in October 2024. The carrier offers a direct flight from Newark (EWR) with its high-premium capacity Boeing 767-300ERs, three times a week.
Accra expansion
Delta Air Lines will also be adding seasonal daily services between Atlanta and Accra as of December 1, 2025. The carrier says that Accra “remains one of Delta’s most popular African destinations, especially during the holiday season.”
OAG Traffic data shows about 20,000 two-way passengers traveled on the sector, though connecting traffic from other cities like Chicago (19,000), Dallas (12,000) and Los Angeles (12,000) should also be taken into account. Delta already offers daily service from New York JFK year-round with its Airbus A330-900neo. Matteo Curcio, Senior Vice President of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India at Delta said:
“Africa is home to some of the world’s most dynamic cities, rich traditions, and growing economies, and Delta is making it easier than ever to reach them. These new routes open doors for travelers seeking business opportunities, cultural exploration, and meaningful connections.”
Photo: GCMap
United Airlines also offers flights to Accra from Washington Dulles (IAD). It flies its Boeing 787-8 fleet five times per week to the Ghanian capital. The new Delta route will solidify the carrier’s presence in Ghana, reinforcing its position as the capital’s largest US airline. Paul Baldoni, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta said:
“Delta’s new service to Marrakech and added flights to Accra strengthen our presence in Africa, offering more opportunities for customers to enjoy our award-winning service and premium onboard experience.
“Whether discovering Morocco or reconnecting with loved ones in Ghana, these routes enhance our network while reinforcing Atlanta’s role as the world’s largest global hub.”