Other aviation trails: Week 24,2026

Statistic and Projections

MOROCCO'S tourism sector maintained strong momentum during the first five months of 2026, building on its record-breaking performance in 2025 when the country welcomed nearly 20 million visitors and generated MAD 138 billion in tourism receipts. According to the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), international tourist arrivals increased by 7%, travel receipts rose by 21%, and overnight stays in classified accommodation grew by 9% compared to the same period last year. The growth has been underpinned by enhanced air connectivity, with 7.74 million airline seats secured for the 2026 summer season—up 13% year-on-year—supported by new airline bases in Rabat, Marrakech, and Tetouan, as well as the launch of 52 new international routes during the first half of the year. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor attributed the sector's continued success to MOROCCO'S 2023–2026 tourism roadmap, which prioritizes improved air access, destination promotion, investment, service quality, and regional development. Looking ahead, ONMT plans to further expand connectivity, diversify source markets with a focus on CHINA, INDIA, and Latin America, develop maritime and cruise tourism, and integrate artificial intelligence into its marketing and commercial strategies.

EGYPT'S Alamein International Airport is forecast to experience strong growth in 2026, with passenger traffic expected to increase by 57% from 169,541 passengers in 2025 to 266,593 passengers, while aircraft movements are projected to rise by 26%, from 2,542 to 3,193 flights. The surge reflects increasing demand for travel to the rapidly developing New Alamein City, which is emerging as a major tourism, business, and investment destination on EGYPT'S North Coast. To accommodate this growth, the Ministry of Civil Aviation is implementing extensive airport upgrades, including expanded terminal facilities, additional mobile check-in counters, enlarged departure halls, upgraded baggage claim and handling systems, and improved passenger flow. The airport is also preparing to host the second Egypt International Airshow (EIAS 2026) in September in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Egyptian Air Force, and the Egyptian Space Agency. Airline activity continues to expand, with 15 carriers currently serving the airport—including Etihad Airways, flydubai, Flynas, Air Cairo, and Saudia—while new summer services have been introduced by TAROM, Enter Air, Bulgaria Air, and Gulf Air. The number of airlines operating at Alamein is expected to reach approximately 26 by the end of the summer season, reinforcing EGYPT'S ambition to transform New Alamein into a global tourism and aviation hub while supporting the national target of attracting 30 million tourists annually by 2030.

People/Appointment

BURKINA FASO'S Air Sarada International S.A. has appointed veteran pilot Capt. Abdoul Salam Ouédraogo as its new Managing Director, promoting a long-serving aviation professional to lead the airline through its next phase of growth. With decades of experience in commercial aviation and several years within the company, Capt. Ouédraogo is expected to strengthen Air Sarada's operational performance, safety culture and strategic development as it expands its domestic footprint. His appointment comes shortly after the airline acquired a Dornier 228 turboprop aircraft to enhance services on short-haul domestic routes, particularly to underserved regions with limited airport infrastructure. The leadership transition reflects Air Sarada's commitment to leveraging experienced industry expertise to improve national connectivity, support economic development and expand reliable air transport services across BURKINA FASO amid growing demand for safe and efficient domestic aviation.