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Delta Air Lines launches first nonstop flight from Atlanta to Marrakech

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Delta Air Lines launches first nonstop flight from Atlanta to Marrakech
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Clint Henderson Managing editor | The Points Guy

Delta Air Lines has inaugurated its first nonstop service from the United States to Marrakech, Morocco, marking the airline's return to North Africa after more than 14 years. The inaugural Flight 186 departed from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and landed at Marrakech Menara Airport, expanding Delta’s African network.

Previously, Delta operated flights to Cairo between 2008 and 2011. The carrier already serves several African destinations including Accra (Ghana), Cape Town and Johannesburg (South Africa), Dakar (Senegal), and Lagos (Nigeria). This new route is Delta’s first connection to Morocco.

Delta announced the Atlanta-Marrakech route in February, becoming the second U.S. airline to offer direct service to Morocco. United Airlines began flying from Newark Liberty International Airport to Marrakech in October 2024.

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Marrakech is growing as a tourist destination and will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Its Medina is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and attractions such as the Majorelle Garden are open to visitors.

Christine Marchand-Pardo, Delta's Managing Director of EMEAI Operations, commented on the launch: "Delta's new nonstop service to Marrakech marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to connect the U.S. and Africa. 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."

At Atlanta airport, employees prepared for departure with Moroccan and U.S. flags, local cookies, sweets, stickers, flag pins, baggage tags, and other giveaways for passengers. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held before boarding.

Passengers included members of frequent flyer groups who had coordinated their bookings for this flight. Christine Krzyszton said: "An inaugural flight is always exciting. You feel the excitement with the crew, you feel it at the gate and with the passengers." Larry Kaplan added: "Morocco's been on my bucket list for decades... Our group of frequent Delta travelers loves exploring new places together."

The flight used a Boeing 767-400ER that has recently been retrofitted with updated interiors but remains an older aircraft model for international routes. The business class cabin features lie-flat seats; amenities include Missoni bedding and amenity kits.

On arrival in Marrakech, passengers were welcomed by officials from both Delta and Moroccan tourism organizations with refreshments such as tea, coffee, cookies, sweets—and a cake decorated with Delta’s logo—followed by a news conference highlighting expected benefits from this new connection.

Oussama Elaamyla of Marrakech Airport stated: "This flight is like building a bridge between two people, the American people and the Moroccan people."

When booking tickets for this inaugural journey using an American Express Platinum card earned travelers five times Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on airfare purchased directly through airlines.

This new service forms part of Delta’s broader international expansion strategy; next month will see seasonal flights launched between Atlanta and Accra (Ghana) as well as winter-only flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Cancun International Airport (CUN). Additionally, increased summer frequencies are planned across Europe—including new routes to Malta; Sardinia; Porto (Portugal); among others.

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