Royal Air Maroc Grounds 12 International Routes as Geopolitical Fuel Crisis Hits Aviation
Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), has announced the temporary suspension of 12 international routes to several African and European destinations, citing sharply rising jet fuel prices and weaker demand on affected routes.
The decision was confirmed by the airline on May 24, 2026. Routes suspended include flights from the Casablanca hub to Kinshasa (DRC), Brazzaville (Congo), Yaoundé (Cameroon), and Libreville (Gabon). From Marrakech, services to Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux (France), and Brussels (Belgium) are on hold. From Tangier, flights to Malaga and Barcelona (Spain) have also been paused. The airline described the suspensions as provisional and said they would be reassessed regularly depending on fuel price trends and market demand.
Jet fuel is one of the largest operating costs for airlines, and sudden spikes can quickly erode profitability, particularly on medium- and long-haul routes where demand has softened. RAM said the move is a direct response to these economic pressures.
The surge in kerosene prices is linked to ongoing disruptions in international shipping caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The war has affected key supply routes and contributed to volatility in global energy markets, pushing aviation fuel costs higher across the industry. Airlines worldwide have been warning of similar challenges, with some European carriers reporting they have only weeks of reserves in certain scenarios.
This is not the first time RAM has adjusted its network in response to external shocks. The airline has previously scaled back operations during the Covid-19 pandemic and amid fluctuating fuel prices in 2022-2023. However, the current round of suspensions comes at a time when African aviation is showing signs of recovery, with growing intra-African connectivity being a key priority under the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.
The suspended routes connect Morocco – a major aviation hub for West and Central Africa – with important economic and diaspora centres. Casablanca serves as a key transit point for travellers and cargo between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. The suspension of flights to Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Yaoundé, and Libreville could temporarily disrupt business travel, family visits, and trade links in Central Africa.
European routes from Marrakech and Tangier are popular with tourists and Moroccan diaspora communities. The pause on services to France, Belgium, and Spain may affect summer travel plans, although RAM has not yet announced specific refund or rebooking policies for affected passengers.
The global aviation sector remains highly sensitive to fuel price fluctuations. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of an airline’s operating costs. Recent conflicts in the Middle East have added upward pressure on crude oil and refined products, compounding challenges already faced by African carriers recovering from the pandemic and navigating high inflation.
RAM, which is majority-owned by the Moroccan state, has been expanding its fleet and network in recent years as part of Morocco’s ambition to position Casablanca as a leading African aviation hub. The airline operates one of the largest fleets in Africa and serves more than 100 destinations.
The company has not indicated how long the suspensions will last, but stated that the situation remains under constant review. Passengers affected by the changes are advised to check RAM’s website or contact their travel agents for alternatives and refund options.
