Delta Air Lines has made aviation history by launching its first-ever nonstop service between Atlanta (ATL) and Marrakech (RAK), marking a major step forward in connecting the United States with North Africa. The inaugural flight, operated by a Boeing 767-400ER, landed at Marrakech Menara Airport on Sunday, October 26, officially opening a new chapter in transatlantic travel. Operating three times a week, this new service brings Morocco’s “Red City” closer than ever to more than 125 destinations across the U.S. through Delta’s Atlanta hub.
The new route cements Delta’s position as the first U.S. airline to offer a direct connection between Atlanta and Marrakech. Beyond convenience, the flight is expected to fuel stronger tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between Morocco and the United States. For Delta, this launch is not just a network expansion but a strategic milestone in its broader goal of deepening ties across Africa, adding Marrakech to a growing list of destinations that includes Accra, Lagos, Dakar, Cape Town, and Johannesburg.
Initially, the service will run three times a week — with flights departing from Atlanta every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and returning from Marrakech every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. However, in response to rising holiday travel demand, Delta plans to increase the service to daily flights between December 18 and January 6, 2026. This seasonal boost highlights the strong interest among U.S. travelers in exploring Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, and world-class hospitality.
“Delta’s new nonstop service to Marrakech marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to connect the U.S. and Africa,” said Christine Marchand-Pardo, Delta’s Managing Director of EMEAI Operations. “This route opens the door to one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich destinations, making travel more seamless for our customers. With three weekly flights from Atlanta, we’re delivering convenience alongside Delta’s renowned premium experience. From lie-flat seats in Delta One to curated dining and thoughtful amenities across all cabin experiences, customers can expect comfort at every step of their journey. This expansion also reinforces Atlanta’s position as the world’s leading global hub, offering convenient one-stop connectivity, while bringing the magic of Marrakech closer than ever.”
Passengers on this route will enjoy Delta’s signature onboard experience aboard the Boeing 767-400ER aircraft, designed to meet a range of travel preferences. Delta One® offers lie-flat seats, chef-curated meals, and luxurious Missoni-designed bedding and amenities. Travelers in Delta Premium Select can expect more personal space, greater recline, and elevated dining, while Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin guests benefit from thoughtful touches and upgraded amenities. Every seat features Delta’s award-winning seatback entertainment system with over 1,000 hours of content, along with free high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Delta Sync, available from gate to gate for SkyMiles Members.
The new Atlanta–Marrakech connection is a game-changer for travelers seeking smooth connections from across the U.S. Cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco will now enjoy convenient access to Morocco with just one stop. This seamless connectivity not only simplifies travel logistics but also positions Delta as a leading bridge between North America and Africa.
Delta’s presence in Africa has been steadily growing since its first flight to the continent in 2006. Over the years, the airline has carried more than 7.5 million passengers to African destinations, continuously expanding routes and partnerships to meet evolving travel demand. With the addition of Marrakech, Delta now serves six African cities, reaffirming its commitment to fostering long-term connections across the Atlantic.
From its powerful hub in Atlanta — the world’s busiest and most connected airport — Delta continues to strengthen its international reach. The airline currently operates nearly 1,000 daily flights to 215 destinations worldwide, underlining its role as a major global connector. The Atlanta–Marrakech route embodies Delta’s strategy of blending modern innovation with market expansion, opening up new possibilities for tourism and business alike.
For Morocco, this direct flight is a symbolic and practical victory. It enhances the nation’s accessibility for American tourists, promotes bilateral relations, and supports the government’s ambition to make the country one of Africa’s top travel destinations. For travelers, it offers a faster, easier, and more comfortable way to experience one of the world’s most captivating cities — from the bustling souks of the Medina to the serene gardens and desert escapes surrounding Marrakech.
With this launch, Delta Air Lines not only reaffirms its leadership in transatlantic travel but also showcases its vision of connecting people and cultures through smarter, more accessible air travel. The new route represents more than a flight — it’s a bridge between two worlds, opening fresh opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and discovery.
Travel chaos has struck South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast as major airlines, including Air Côte d’Ivoire, Royal Air Maroc, easyJet, Saudia, and others, face widespread disruptions. A total of 23 flights have been canceled and 150 flights delayed, leaving passengers stranded across key airports. This severe disruption is affecting travelers in Johannesburg, Casablanca, Abidjan, Cape Town, and Marrakech. This disruption has put pressure on both travelers and airport authorities, forcing many to seek alternative arrangements. As the situation unfolds, passengers are urged to stay updated with their airlines for further details on their flight statuses.
Affected Cities and Airports
The cities and airports impacted by the flight disruptions include Algiers with Houari Boumedienne Airport, Casablanca with Mohammed V International Airport, Marrakech with Menara International Airport, Johannesburg with OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town with Cape Town International Airport, and Abidjan with Port Bouet (Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport). These key airports across South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast are currently experiencing significant delays and cancellations, affecting travelers in these major cities.
Flight cancellations
Airport
Cancelled (Count)
Delayed (Count)
Airline
Houari Boumedienne
5
50
Air Algerie
1
0
Saudia
Mohammed V Int’l
1
61
Royal Air Maroc
1
3
Air France
Menara Int’l
4
35
easyJet
2
3
Air France
OR Tambo Int’l
2
14
South African Airways
Cape Town Int’l
2
3
South African Airways
Port Bouet (Felix Houphouet Boigny Int’l)
5
3
Air Cote D’Ivoire
Affected Airlines
The airlines affected by the flight disruptions include Air Côte d’Ivoire, Royal Air Maroc, easyJet, Saudia, and Air France. These carriers have experienced a significant number of flight cancellations and delays, impacting passengers traveling through various airports in South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast. Additionally, South African Airways has also been involved in the delays, particularly affecting flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town. These disruptions have caused inconvenience for many travelers across the region.
Overview of Flight cancellations
The flight cancellations show significant disruptions across multiple airports and airlines, primarily affecting South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast. Here’s a detailed overview of the cancellations:
Houari Boumedienne Airport (Algiers, Algeria):
Air Algerie had 5 flights cancelled, which accounts for 3% of their total flights from this airport. This represents a notable disruption for passengers traveling through Algiers.
Saudia had 1 flight cancelled, which makes up 25% of their flights from Algiers, indicating a higher proportion of cancellations from this airline.
Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca, Morocco):
Royal Air Maroc had 1 flight cancelled, representing 0% of their total flights, suggesting minimal impact on their operations.
Air France had 1 flight cancelled, making up 12% of their flights from Casablanca, which is a significant percentage given the total flight count.
Menara International Airport (Marrakech, Morocco):
easyJet experienced 4 cancellations, which account for 8% of their flights from Marrakech, a moderate level of disruption.
Air France had 2 flights cancelled, which is 25% of their total flights, signaling a more considerable impact for this airline at Menara International.
OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, South Africa):
South African Airways had 2 flights cancelled, representing 3% of their total flights, indicating a relatively low level of disruption in Johannesburg.
Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town, South Africa):
South African Airways also had 2 flights cancelled here, which represents 9% of their total flights, reflecting a slightly higher level of cancellations at Cape Town International.
Port Bouet (Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport, Abidjan, Ivory Coast):
Air Côte d’Ivoire had 5 flights cancelled, accounting for 16% of their total flights. This is one of the higher cancellation rates across the listed airports, causing significant disruptions for passengers in Abidjan.
Overall, the highest number of cancellations were seen at Houari Boumedienne Airport (5 flights) and Port Bouet Airport (5 flights), both of which had a relatively higher percentage of their flights cancelled. Saudia, easyJet, and South African Airways also faced notable disruptions, with Air France seeing cancellations primarily at Menara International and Mohammed V International airports.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The flight disruptions across South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast have caused considerable inconvenience for travelers. With Air Côte d’Ivoire, Royal Air Maroc, easyJet, Saudia, and South African Airways all reporting cancellations, passengers at Johannesburg, Casablanca, Marrakech, Abidjan, and Cape Town have faced delays and uncertainty. While Houari Boumedienne Airport and Port Bouet Airport saw the highest cancellations, the overall impact spans multiple major airlines and airports. Travelers are advised to stay updated with their airlines for further information and alternative travel arrangements.
Source: FlightAware
Disclaimer: The information provided is sourced from FlightAware and airport websites. We do not guarantee its accuracy and have no intention to harm or malign any airlines. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us at pr@travelandtourworld.com.
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