Morocco and Azerbaijan are moving closer to launching direct flights after talks in Marrakesh. If direct flights begin, travel time between the two countries could drop from around 10 to 12 hours to about five and a half hours.
Tourism between Morocco and Azerbaijan has grown since visa-free travel began. Azerbaijani tourism officials say more Moroccan travellers are showing interest in visiting the Caucasus.
Moroccan visitors are attracted by Baku’s historic old city, modern skyline, ski resorts and wellness tourism. Azerbaijanis are drawn to Morocco’s imperial cities such as Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat, as well as coastal destinations like Agadir and Essaouira.
Morocco’s tourism revenue reached a record MAD 138bn in 2025, helped by efforts to attract visitors from new markets beyond Europe. Travel agencies have also started selling “Caucasus Triple” tours covering Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
The plan was agreed during the ICAO aviation summit held from 14 to 16 April. Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Samir Mammadov, met Morocco’s Transport and Logistics Minister, Abdessamad Kayouh. They said direct flights are needed to grow travel, tourism and business links. A formal air services agreement is now being prepared so airlines can run routes between cities such as Baku, Casablanca and Marrakesh.
Azerbaijan also signed a training deal with ICAO to improve the skills and safety systems of its civil aviation authority.
This move is part of a wider effort to strengthen ties. Since August 2024, citizens of both countries have been able to travel visa-free for up to 90 days. Interest in tourism and business has risen, but travellers still have to fly via hubs like Istanbul or Dubai.
The two governments are also working on an investment protection agreement. A deal to avoid double taxation is already in place.
At the summit, Azerbaijan highlighted plans for greener aviation. The country is building the Alat Green Airport in its Alat Free Economic Zone and wants it certified as a carbon-neutral logistics hub. It is also taking part in an ICAO programme to develop sustainable aviation fuel.
The aviation deal sits within wider changes to regional trade routes. Azerbaijan says the Aghband Bridge, linking mainland Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan region through Iran and towards Türkiye, is almost ready. The route is expected to speed up cargo transport between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea.
Morocco used the same summit to sign agreements that position the country as a training centre for aviation in Africa. From 2026, Morocco will host an international programme training about 100 aviation inspectors each year from developing countries.
The event ended with 101 countries signing the Marrakesh Call to Action, promising funding for the next generation of aviation professionals as global passenger numbers are expected to triple by 2050.
