Royal Air Maroc: Examining the Airline's Safety Record and Travel Advice for Morocco

Nov 24, 2025 0

Morocco, one of Africa’s most beautiful countries, boasts a stable government and varied terrain.

For travelers, safety is a key consideration. Here’s what you need to know about traveling in Morocco and the safety record of Royal Air Maroc.

General Safety in Morocco

“Morocco is an incredibly safe destination, with zero amount of gun violence,” Peters says. However, you need to respect Islamic culture and customs in Morocco. In part because Morocco is a Muslim country, it has banned most forms of same-sex relationships.

Potential Challenges

Morocco can be especially challenging for women. Unscrupulous shopkeepers are something to watch for.

“The normal sorts of cautions should be taken when walking around Morocco’s other cities, like Fez, Tangier, Rabat, and Essaouira,” Peters says. “The maze-like medina of Fez can be frightening in the evening because of its sheer size,” he adds. “If you’re ever lost or feel unsafe, ask a shopkeeper to help you out - not street kids.

There’s periodic flooding during the November-to-March rainy season, along with the occasional earthquake. There hasn’t been a terrorist attack in Morocco since 2011, but there have been threats against the government. brand establishments, and other public areas.

“It’s a good idea to have a vaccination for Hepatitis A, wash your hands regularly, and carry loperamide with you in case of travelers’ diarrhea,” Peters says. “One of the best things about having an expertly crafted tour put together for you is that you’ll be less likely to have issues because of miscommunication,” he says.

Currency and ATMs

The dirham is Morocco’s official currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are usually accepted in larger cities and tourist areas. Be particularly vigilant around ATMs: Only use machines in busy, well-lighted areas.

Demonstrations

Political and social demonstrations are frequent in Morocco and are rarely confrontational or violent. American travelers should avoid demonstrations and move away as soon as possible.

The Sahara

“The biggest danger in the desert is the heat,” Peters says. “Definitely pack your sunscreen and if traveling during the hot months, you’ll want to ensure you have access to air conditioning.

Read also: Argan Oil for Hair

“With travelers looking more and more to find destinations outside of the well-trod paths of Paris, London, New York and Hawaii, Morocco ticks a lot of the boxes,” Peters says.

Transportation Safety

Transportation in Morocco is mostly safe.

Taxis

Taxis and the Heetch rideshare service are generally crime-free during daytime. At night and when in unfamiliar surroundings, don’t travel alone.

Buses

City buses are not considered safe; intercity bus companies are. Supratours and CTM are the go-tos for travelers. Purchase tickets ahead of time, to be on the safe side.

Other Mass Transit

While there are no subways in Morocco, “In Casablanca and Rabat, you can use the overground tram,” Peters says.

Trains

Trains are generally safe, though you need to watch your valuables.

Flying

The country’s major airports are the Rabat-Sale International Airport, north of Rabat, and the Mohammed V International Airport, southeast of Casablanca.

Driving

Driving in Morocco’s larger cities is semi-organized madness best reserved for locals and experts. Roads are not well-marked and drivers often practice unsafe driving behavior. Drive defensively, and make sure your rental car is insured. Avoid driving at night.

General Precautions

Morocco has a relatively low crime rate, but Peters recommends that you keep alert and watch your valuables at all times. Running: Stick to populated areas and watch traffic. Morocco’s cities are an intoxicating blend of exotic and cosmopolitan.

Casablanca is Morocco’s economic capital and largest city, and home to its largest slums. “The country does a fantastic job of having the old city of Marrakesh, Morocco’s No.

About Royal Air Maroc

Royal Air Maroc, also known as RAM, is the national carrier of Morocco and has played a pivotal role in connecting Morocco with the rest of the world. Since its founding in the mid-20th century, the airline has been instrumental in promoting air travel within and outside Morocco, helping both in the development of tourism and in the strengthening of economic and cultural ties between Morocco and numerous international destinations.

Historically, Royal Air Maroc has marked significant milestones in the expansion of its operational base and in the enhancement of its service offerings, growing its reach to include not just nearby European countries, but also stretching far to North America, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The fleet of Royal Air Maroc is dynamic and well-maintained, catering to a variety of route lengths and passenger demands. The airline emphasizes ensuring a reliable and comfortable flying experience, selecting aircraft that align with its mission of safety and customer satisfaction. As the airline has grown, so too has its fleet, evolving from a modest collection of aircraft to a more sophisticated and versatile lineup that allows it to efficiently manage both short-haul regional services and long-haul international flights.

Royal Air Maroc is renowned for its hospitality and onboard services, encapsulating the rich Moroccan culture. From the design of its cabins to the selection of its in-flight meals, the airline aims to provide passengers with a uniquely Moroccan experience. Enhanced by traditional Moroccan hospitality, the service onboard includes various classes, offering a range of amenities to cater to diverse passenger needs-from those seeking luxury to those looking for cost-effective solutions. Additionally, the airline also provides additional services such as a frequent flyer program, which rewards loyal customers with various benefits, fostering a sense of community among regular travelers and enhancing customer retention.

Royal Air Maroc - Fleet and Expansion

As of 2023, the airline Royal Air Maroc is preparing to launch a call for tenders for new single-aisle and wide-body aircraft, in order to respond to the increase in tourism and strengthen the role of Casablanca as a hub for sub-Saharan Africa. In June 2023, the airline announced a substantial expansion plan with the goal of doubling the size of its fleet over the next decade and adding international connections with new routes to Europe.

Royal Air Maroc has its head office on the grounds of Casablanca-Anfa Airport in Casablanca. In 2004 the airline announced that it would move its head office from Casablanca to the Nouaceur Province, near Mohammed V International Airport.

Historical Overview

The carrier's fleet comprised 16 aircraft by April 1958, including four DC-4s, three DC-3s, seven Bretagnes and two C-46s. In May 1958, the airline ordered two Caravelles. In July, a number of long-haul routes were launched using four Lockheed L-749 Constellations leased from Air France, and the coastal Oran-Oujda run - which had been suspended in May - was reopened. Also in 1958, the carrier started flying to Gibraltar.

A single Caravelle was part of the fleet of four L-749 Constellations, four DC-4s and three DC-3s by April 1960, making the Caravelle the first jet aircraft operated by the company; another Caravelle was yet to be delivered. The type began serving the Rabat-Bamako route in July 1961. In April 1965, the company had 758 employees and chairmanship was held by Mohammed Al Fassi. The route network included services within North Africa, and also linked North Africa with France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland; the Casablanca-Dakar and Casablanca-Las Palmas sectors were also flown.

Subsidiary airline Royal Air Inter was formed early in 1970 to undertake domestic routes using Fokker F-27 Friendship equipment; this sister company started operations on 2 April 1970, and by May 1971, it was serving Agadir, Al Hoceima, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Oujda, Rabat, Tangier and Tetouan.

The RAM's fleet at May 1971 comprised two Boeing 727-200s, along with four Caravelles and two SIAI Marchetti SF.260s. At a cost of US$8.85 million, a third Boeing 727-200 was ordered in 1972. In 1974, the carrier ordered a single Boeing 727-200 Advanced, followed by an order for a fourth Boeing 727-200. Also that year, negotiations with Air France for the lease of a Boeing 707-320B started.

By March 1975, the Boeing 707 was part of an 11-strong fleet, along with four Boeing 727-200s, four Caravelles, and two SIAI Marchetti SF.260s. RAM flew the leased Boeing 707 to New York for the first time in April 1975, becoming the first Arab airline in serving this destination. During the year, the company acquired three Boeing 737-200s to replace the Caravelles. Also in 1975, a weekly non-stop service to Rio de Janeiro was started. An order for three more Boeing 727-200s was placed in early 1976. That year, the four Caravelles were withdrawn from service and sold.

By July 1980, Royal Air Maroc had 3,583 employees. At this time, the carrier's fleet consisted of a single Boeing 747-200B, two Boeing 707-320Cs, one Boeing 707-320, seven Boeing 727-200s and three Boeing 737-200s. Another Boeing 727-200, ordered in January that year, was still pending delivery.

At a cost of US$16 million, an additional Boeing 737-200 was ordered in 1981, with the US Export-Import Bank arranging a US$5 million loan to secure the delivery, and RAM and private financers funding the balance. In the early days of the decade, the last of the Boeing 707s was removed from the fleet. Meanwhile, newer, more efficient, Classic 400 and 500 series Boeing 737s were introduced to increase the frequency of European routes. By the middle of the decade all 727s had disappeared.

To consolidate its North American operations, Royal Air Maroc purchased a single Boeing 747-400. With the increasing number of passengers and newly opened routes as well as increasing oil prices, there was a need to buy new aircraft. In 2000, an order for 20 Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft and 4 Airbus A321s was placed.

RAM was now changing, from providing flights to meet the demands of foreign tourists and Moroccan expatriates, to providing connections between European cities and African cities via the Casablanca hub. Morocco and the EU signed an open skies agreement in late 2006. This means that Royal Air Maroc will have to face tough competition from low-cost carriers eager to exploit profitable routes between Western Europe and Morocco.

Incidents

Here are some incidents in the history of Royal Air Maroc:

1 April 1970: A Caravelle III, registration CN-CCV, flying the first leg of a scheduled Agadir-Casablanca-Paris flight, crashed on approach to Nouasseur Airport when control was lost at about 500 feet (150 m).
22 December 1973: a leased Caravelle VIN, registration OO-SRD, on the first leg of a non-scheduled Paris-Tangier-Casablanca passenger service, crashed into mountainous terrain about 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Tangier Airport on approach.
3 August 1975: Royal Air Maroc leased a Boeing 707-321C (registration JY-AEE) from Jordanian World Airways and was operating a charter flight from Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France to Inezgane Airport in Agadir, Morocco.
21 August 1994: an ATR 42-300, registration CN-CDT, operating Flight 630 on a domestic Agadir-Casablanca route, entered a steep dive at 16,000 ft (4,900 m) and crashed into nearby mountains. Investigators concluded that the pilot deliberately disengaged the autopilot and directed the aircraft into the ground.

Travel Tips

Here are essential travel tips to ensure a safe and pleasant trip:

Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of Islamic culture and customs.
Stay Alert: Watch your valuables at all times to avoid petty crime.
Safe Transportation: Use intercity buses like Supratours and CTM, and avoid city buses.
Avoid Demonstrations: Stay away from political and social demonstrations.
Health Precautions: Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A, wash hands regularly, and carry medication for travelers’ diarrhea.

By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Morocco.