Africa gets first nonstop flight to Los Angeles as North African airline opens US route ahead of World Cup

Africa has secured its first nonstop air link to Los Angeles after Royal Air Maroc launched a direct service from Casablanca, expanding the continent’s access to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to local reports, the inaugural flight departed Mohammed V International Airport on June 7 and arrived in Los Angeles after a journey of about 12 hours.

The Moroccan carrier will operate the route three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

“Bringing Los Angeles closer than ever. Starting June 7, 2026, Royal Air Maroc launches direct flights from Casablanca to Los Angeles aboard our Boeing 787 Dreamliner,” the airline said.

The service expands Royal Air Maroc’s network in North America, where it already flies to cities including New York, Washington, Miami, Montreal and Toronto.