Royal Air Maroc Launches Direct London Gatwick to Tetouan Route: Here's What You Need to Know

Royal Air Maroc has launched a brand-new twice-weekly direct service between London Gatwick and Tetouan, and for British travellers, it is one of the most exciting route additions of 2026. The flights began operating on 27 March, making northern Morocco more accessible from the UK than it has ever been before.

Until now, reaching Tetouan from Britain meant enduring a connecting flight through Casablanca or a long overland transfer from Tangier. That changes with this new direct link, which cuts travel time considerably and finally puts this stunning corner of Morocco on the radar for UK holidaymakers.​​​​​​​

The Gatwick–Tetouan service is part of a much larger strategic move by Royal Air Maroc, which has established a brand-new operational base at Tetouan's Sania R'mel Airport. From there, the airline now operates direct flights to six European cities — London Gatwick, Paris, Brussels, Barcelona, Madrid, and Málaga — all served by Embraer E190 aircraft.

RAM's Chairman and CEO, Hamid Addou, was clear about the ambition behind the expansion. "The opening of this air base in Tetouan complements our Tangier hub and will allow us better to connect the northern region to the main European markets," he said. The move was developed in partnership with Morocco's National Tourist Office, reflecting a joint commitment to growing tourism across the north of the country — a region that has long deserved more attention.

The timing makes perfect sense. Morocco recorded a record 19.8 million tourist arrivals in 2025, up 14 percent on the year before. The appetite for Morocco is clearly there, and northern Morocco is ready to meet it.​​​​​​​

For British travellers, the new direct service removes what was previously a real barrier to visiting northern Morocco — the need for a connecting flight via Casablanca or a lengthy transfer from Tangier. Journey times are significantly shorter, making Tetouan a genuinely viable option for both a week-long holiday and a quick weekend escape.

The twice-weekly frequency also works well for the Moroccan diaspora community in the UK, offering a more convenient and affordable route home without the hassle of a stopover.​​​​​​​

At Crystal Travel, we think this new route is a brilliant opportunity to explore a side of Morocco that most travellers haven't discovered yet. Whether you are after a short cultural city break, a relaxing beach holiday, or something in between, our team is ready to help you put it all together. Get in touch with us today, and let's start planning.

For more information on flights and travel deals to Tetouan and beyond, contact our team today.