Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) Flights & Flight Status

Marrakech Menara Airport (airport code: RAK) is one of the most important gateways for Moroccan tourism, but it is not the country’s busiest airport. That honour goes to Casablanca, but Marrakech is growing by leaps and bounds with new hotels and more flight routes. A new long-haul U.S. flight, more low-cost airlines and a modern airport terminal are all part of the region’s growth plans to let the destination shine on the global stage. And the airport is doing just that. This guide will help you navigate the single terminal, which is modern, comfortable and looking better than ever.

A new terminal

The new airport terminal is a vast improvement over the original one, which was all on one level and required boarding planes by stairs. Today, many flights board by jet bridge although domestic and low-cost flights still usually board by bus or by walking to the plane.

From the moment you drive up to the terminal, its architectural design is striking. I like snapping photos of the shadows and light dancing through the honeycomb-shaped facade of the building. In the arrivals area, a punctuated metal covering gives the airport an almost futuristic look.

While there are technically two terminals, they are in the same building. One is designated for domestic flights and another for international flights. Both are quite busy throughout the day.

Domestic flights

Morocco has an extensive railway network with high-speed trains on some routes (like between Fes and Rabat), but flights are often still required to get between other major cities if you do not want to drive or travel by train for extended periods.

As a result, domestic flights are common, and there are both a mix of low-cost carriers like Air Arabia and traditional airlines like Royal Air Maroc. The latter require travellers to transit in Casablanca while the former often provide nonstop flights to other Moroccan cities.

Many of these flights are boarded by stairs, and travellers either have to walk to the plane or take a bus. I find the scorching summer heat to be unbearable because sometimes they will walk you to the plane and leave you standing there for 15-20 minutes while they get final preparations made. I recommend bringing a hat or sunscreen just in case.

If you are in business class, they sometimes use a private bus to take you to the plane. It has air conditioning and is reserved for business class passengers. But, beware that the drivers almost always ask for a tip, which is unfortunate after paying so much for a premium cabin ticket (many people do not carry cash or have it readily available when about to board a plane by stairs).

Route network from RAK

Marrakech has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. But, the advent of low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet has truly exposed the destination to many more people (and airports).

For some travellers, this is great news as it is cheaper than ever to fly to Marrakech. For others, low-fare airlines have flooded the market with partying tourists that have changed the vibe of the city in some neighbourhoods. What used to be luxury riads and glamping trips transitioned to budget hotels and mass-market tours.

No matter your opinion, Marrakech is now available to everyone, and many European airlines have wanted their piece of the pie. You can fly to major hubs like London Heathrow, Madrid and Paris Charles de Gaulle as well as smaller cities like Bordeaux, Nantes and Riga.

I find it disappointing that national carrier Royal Air Maroc does not offer any type of point-to-point flying from Marrakech. Instead, it routes all travellers through its Casablanca hub. This means that many travellers have to backtrack when visiting many Moroccan cities on one trip and adds unnecessary time to the trip (like if flying from Marrakech to Agadir, for example).

Perhaps the most exciting news for Marrakech is the launch of new flights from New York/Newark via United Airlines. The nonstop flights on a Boeing 767-300ER with lie-flat seats in Polaris business class will be the only link to the U.S. without having to make a connection.

Other intercontinental flights that connect to international networks include Air Transat from Montreal, Qatar Airways from Doha and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul. Royal Air Maroc has an extensive network across Europe and Africa (as well as to the U.S.), but it does not operate many international flights from RAK.

Lounges at the airport

The Pearl Lounge is the best VIP facility at Marrakech. It is on the international side and has a buffet of hot and cold items plus self-serve, non-alcoholic drinks. A staffed bar serves everything else.

Unusually, there is a second Pearl Lounge in the arrivals section of the airport. This is not a place many travellers choose to linger, but it is a nice place to sit while waiting for bags to arrive with a refreshment in hand.

Both of these lounges are accessible for Priority Pass cardholders (check your credit card to see if you have access as part of your annual fee, but you can also pay a fee to enter). These lounges can provide extra comfort before your flight.

The Oasis Lounge at Marrakech is operated by Royal Air Maroc for domestic flights. Designers have said it was inspired by Jamaa El Fna Square. But after spending hours, I cannot draw any similarities at all. It is nothing more than a glassed-in room with comfortable seats and free WiFi.

It has non-alcoholic refreshments, basic snacks and a staff that is hardly ever around. I have seen people walk in and just sit down without ever checking into the lounge. But, compared to what used to be on offer (nothing), this is a nice change.

How to get to and from Marrakech airport

My primary choice of transfer is to organise a ride via my hotel. This is surely more expensive, but you will have someone waiting for you outside the arrivals hall that can walk you all the way to the car without concern for all of the taxi touts you will otherwise experience.

Marrakech also has Uber, which is incredibly cheap, and when I have no bags, I use that as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative. If you choose to take a taxi, I highly recommend agreeing on a price in advance of getting in the car. And prepare to be charged more than what you should. The pre-paid taxi options in the arrivals area are a better option.

While I would not consider renting a car in other overseas countries, Morocco is one where having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore various villages and major cities. Parking is often easy to find, although not always free, and the highways are easy to drive.

My only recommendation is to hide valuable items or carry them with you after parking your car. Also, be careful on some of the mountainous roads to places like Ouarzazate where the winding stretch can be almost disorientating (yet breathtaking).

What to do near Marrakech airport

While most people arrive to Marrakech as their final destination instead of connecting elsewhere, if you do find yourself with extra time at the airport, there are some interesting things to do within the vicinity (especially since the airport is only about 20 minutes from the city centre).

Just keep in mind that the airport does not offer luggage storage (since there are very few transit travellers here). Instead, I suggest reserving a day rate at an area hotel and organising an airport transfer through the property. That way you can store your luggage and wander through the old town or the souks.

Helpful tips for navigating RAK

If you are travelling in a premium cabin or have top elite status with a major carrier, you can use the fast track lane at the airport. This will help you save time when going through security, especially during the early morning hours when many flights are leaving at the same time.

Arrival immigration is generally very fast if coming from another country unless multiple flights arrive at once. Also, keep in mind that Morocco does not permit drones and will confiscate it if they find one. They will store it at the airport and let you collect it upon departure though.

If your mobile phone is unlocked, there are desks offering free SIM cards to use while you are there. This can be a potential money saver and offer you a pay-as-you-go way to communicate if you do not have an international plan.

When exchanging money, avoid using the currency booths at the airport because they offer a poor exchange rate. The same advice applies to changing money at your hotel. Instead, look for a bank or a bank-operated ATM to secure the best conversion. I have very few problems using a credit card at most places in Marrakech though.