Essaouira Airport

Essaouira-Mogador Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a cosy aerial gateway to the legendary "City of Winds" and the ancient fortress on the Atlantic coast. Set amidst picturesque sand dunes and argan forests, this airport immerses arrivals in an atmosphere of tranquillity and authentic Moroccan charm from the very first minute. The compact terminal building, designed with respect for traditional architecture, lacks the hustle and bustle of huge hubs, allowing travellers to begin their holiday without unnecessary stress immediately after landing.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Essaouira Airport is its intimacy and comfort. Unlike the overcrowded aviation hubs of Marrakesh or Casablanca, passenger traffic here is significantly lower, guaranteeing quick passport control and baggage claim. The entire process from stepping off the plane to getting into a taxi often takes less than half an hour, which is particularly valuable after a long flight.

The terminal building deserves special attention due to its design. It blends harmoniously into the surrounding desert landscape, combining modern glass facades with elements of the traditional architecture of the Mogador region. The bright and spacious waiting halls are filled with natural light, creating a sense of lightness and openness.

Another advantage is its convenient location. The airport is situated just a 15–20 minute drive from the city medina via a direct and high-quality road. The route to the city passes through picturesque landscapes where one can see the famous goats grazing in argan trees, turning even a short transfer into a mini-excursion.

Below you will find contact information for Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU), which may be useful when planning your trip.

• Official Website: www.onda.ma (website of the National Airports Office of Morocco).
• Information Desk Phone: +212 524 47 67 04
• Airport Address: Route d'Agadir, 44000 Essaouira, Morocco.
• Email: An official email address for general inquiries is not published. You can contact the administration via the feedback form on the official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news from all airports in Morocco, including Essaouira, on the official pages of the operator ONDA on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to finding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly at the airport. Airport staff can direct you to the appropriate counter.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information and assistance at the airport, please call the main information desk number.

There are several ways to get to Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU), located approximately 17 kilometres south of the city of Essaouira. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The main options are public transport, taxi, and car rental.

Public Transport. The most economical method is the Lima Bus service, which runs between the airport and one of Essaouira's main bus stops (near the Bab Doukkala gate). The fare is very affordable; however, please note that the bus schedule is often linked to flight arrival and departure times, so they run irregularly. The journey will take about 30-40 minutes. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travellers without heavy luggage.

Taxi and Transfer. The most popular and convenient way to reach the airport is by taxi. For trips outside the city, including the airport, grand taxis (large taxis) are used. Generally, there is a fixed fare for the trip between the city centre and the airport, which is approximately 150-200 Moroccan Dirhams. The journey time is just 20-25 minutes. It is recommended to confirm the price with the driver before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings. You can also pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or an online service.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively travel around Morocco, renting a car is an excellent solution. Several international and local rental companies have counters directly inside the airport building. The road to the city is simple and follows the N1 route. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available, suitable for both short stops and long-term storage.

Overall, a taxi remains the golden mean in terms of price and convenience for most tourists. If your itinerary involves broader exploration of the region, renting a car will provide you with maximum freedom. It is also worth remembering that many travellers arrive at larger airports, such as Menara Airport in Marrakesh or Agadir Al Massira, and then travel to Essaouira by bus or car.

Essaouira Airport (ESU) is a modern and compact aviation hub characterised by a simple and clear structure for passengers. The airport operates with just one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Such an organisation significantly simplifies navigation: travellers do not need to worry about transferring between buildings or finding the right wing—all services are located under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive and logical. Immediately after entering the building, you find yourself in the general area with check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by the departure zone. This is a small but cosy waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is located separately: after disembarking the plane, passengers enter the baggage claim hall, and from there proceed to the exit, where taxis and car rental representatives await them.

Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all formalities typically take minimal time. On average, check-in and security checks take no more than 30-40 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season or when checking in for multiple flights simultaneously, small queues may occur. Therefore, we recommend adhering to the standard rule and arriving at the airport 2-2.5 hours before an international flight to avoid rushing.

The main advice for navigation at Essaouira airport is to stay calm; getting lost here is practically impossible. All key zones—check-in, security, boarding gates—are clearly marked with signs in Arabic, French, and English. The compactness and thoughtful layout make the stay at the airport as comfortable as possible and eliminate unnecessary stress before the flight.

The history of Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) is, above all, the story of the transformation of a picturesque coastal town into a popular international tourist destination. Unlike many airports with a century-long history, the aerial gateway of Essaouira is a relatively modern project, the development of which is inextricably linked to the growth of tourist flow in Morocco.

A key stage in the life of the airport began in the first decade of the 21st century. As part of a state programme to develop tourism, a large-scale modernisation was launched. The project, completed in 2010, included the construction of a new, modern terminal with an area of about 3,000 m² and a significant extension of the runway to 3,100 metres. These changes allowed the airport to receive medium-haul aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, and open direct flights from major European cities.

Thanks to this reconstruction, the airport became a catalyst for economic growth for the entire region. It opened Essaouira to travellers from France, Belgium, the UK, and other countries seeking a unique combination of authentic culture, art, and magnificent conditions for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. Passenger traffic began to grow rapidly, confirming the correctness of the chosen strategy.

One interesting fact is related to the airport's name — Essaouira-Mogador. "Mogador" is the old Portuguese name for the city, symbolically linking modern infrastructure with a rich historical past. Unlike many other airports that may have initially served military purposes, ESU was designed and developed from the start as a civil facility, aimed exclusively at developing tourism and increasing the accessibility of this charming corner of the Atlantic coast.

Essaouira Airport (ESU), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack or drink coffee in a small cafe located in the terminal building. For those wishing to buy last-minute souvenirs or travel goods, there is a Duty Free shop offering local products, perfumes, and a standard assortment of duty-free goods.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport features a VIP lounge, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere away from the main bustle. Access conditions and costs can be checked directly at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. There are sockets for charging electronic devices, but their number may be limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank.

To handle financial matters, ATMs are installed in the arrival and departure halls, and there is also a currency exchange office where you can acquire Moroccan Dirhams. In case first aid is needed, please contact any airport staff member, who will summon medical personnel.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially adapted restrooms. Passengers requiring assistance moving through the terminal or boarding are advised to notify their airline in advance. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are provided where you can care for your baby in a quiet environment.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself. A wide choice of accommodation options—from traditional riads to modern hotels—is located in the nearby city of Essaouira, which can be reached by taxi in approximately 20 minutes. Specialised business centres or conference halls are not provided at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist traffic.

Essaouira Airport (ESU) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary to have a snack before departure. Dining options are mainly concentrated in the main terminal building.

Typically, several small cafes or snack bars operate at the airport. One establishment is usually located in the general area before security control (landside), which is convenient for those seeing someone off and those who have just arrived. The second, often smaller, is located in the departure zone (airside), after passport and customs control. Their opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule—they are open when there are passengers in the airport.

The menu in local cafes is fairly standard for airports of this size. Here you will find:

• For a quick snack: Sandwiches, pastries (croissants, buns), crisps, and other packaged snacks.
• Drinks: Coffee, tea, bottled water, soft drinks, and juices.
• Local flavour: Do not miss the opportunity to drink a glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea. Sometimes local sweet pastries can also be found in the assortment.

For a full lunch or dinner, the choice at the airport is extremely small, so it is better to eat beforehand in one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Essaouira. Regarding dietary needs, finding specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. It is recommended to carry your own snacks if you have strict dietary restrictions. Most meat products in Morocco are Halal, but it is best to verify on-site for complete assurance. Prices at the airport, as expected, are higher than average compared to the city.

Travelling through Essaouira-Mogador Airport (ESU) usually proceeds calmly and without hassle, as it is a small regional airport. However, knowing a few nuances will help make your trip even more comfortable and pleasant.

Arrival time at the airport. Despite the modest size of the terminal, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during the peak tourist season when small queues may arise.

Check-in and Security Control. Procedures at Essaouira airport are standard but may take longer than expected. Staff are friendly, but be prepared that not everyone may speak English fluently. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy. At security control, be ready to remove outer clothing, belts, and take out all electronics and liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection on the Plane. When flying out of Essaouira, try to choose a window seat. You may be lucky enough to enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic coast of Morocco and endless sand dunes immediately after take-off.

Hand Luggage. International rules apply: liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. If you are carrying argan oil as a souvenir, ensure it meets these requirements or check it into your luggage. Always keep valuables, electronics, and documents in your hand luggage.

Passengers with Connections. Essaouira Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. Most flights from here are direct. If you have a complex itinerary with a connection, it will likely be at a larger airport, such as Casablanca or Marrakesh. Carefully check the connection time—allow at least 2-3 hours.

Customs Control. Upon entering the country, you must fill out an immigration card. Upon departure, customs officers may inquire about the presence of antiques or cultural valuables—keep receipts for large purchases. Remember that the export and import of the national currency (Moroccan Dirham) is restricted, so it is better to exchange remaining money before departure or keep exchange receipts.

Saving Time and Money. Book a transfer to the city in advance online or arrange it with your hotel to avoid inflated taxi prices at the terminal exit. The choice of cafes and shops at the airport is limited, so it is better to have a snack before the trip. Free Wi-Fi is available, but its signal may be unstable.

In Case of Flight Delay. Given the small size of the airport, opportunities for long waits here are modest. Ensure your phone is charged and you have a book or downloaded films. In the event of a long delay, the airline is obliged to provide drinks or food. Do not hesitate to contact your airline representative to clarify information and your rights.