Sale Airport

Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) is not merely a transport hub, but an elegant gateway to the imperial capital of Morocco. Located at the crossroads of ancient history and modernity, this airport offers travelers a cozy and peaceful alternative to bustling hubs like Casablanca. From the very first minutes here, one feels the Kingdom's special rhythm: measured, welcoming, and steeped in respect for tradition, while the terminal's architecture harmoniously combines advanced technology with national decor.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Rabat-Salé is its compactness and comfort. Unlike the congested airports of major metropolises, navigation here is intuitive, and queues for passport control and security checks generally move much faster. The modern Terminal 1 delights the eye with spacious halls filled with natural light and cleanliness, offering travelers everything they need: from cafes serving local pastries to souvenir shops and currency exchange points.

Transport Accessibility deserves special attention. The airport is located just 10 km from the center of Rabat, allowing you to reach the medina or modern districts of the city in 20–30 minutes. Travelers have access not only to taxis but also to a convenient shuttle bus (Navette), the schedule of which is synchronized with flight arrivals, making logistics as simple and economical as possible.

• Official Website: www.onda.ma. The airport is managed by the Moroccan Airports Authority (ONDA), on whose website you can find information regarding all air harbors in the country.
• Help Desk Phone: +212 537 80 80 90. You can call this number to clarify information about flights, services, and terminal operations.
• Address: Aéroport Rabat-Salé, Salé, Maroc. The airport is located in the city of Salé, which is a satellite city of the capital.
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the ONDA website, as a public email for general questions may not be listed.
• Lost & Found: In case of lost or damaged luggage, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. The air carrier bears the primary responsibility. You can also contact the baggage tracing service directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support: For all general questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the help desk via phone or visit the information counters within the terminal.

Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) is located approximately 8 kilometers northeast of the center of Rabat and serves both the capital and the neighboring city of Salé. You can get to or from the airport in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget and preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical option. A special express bus (Airport Shuttle) runs between the airport and the central railway stations of Rabat (Rabat-Ville) and Salé. Buses usually run according to the flight schedule. The trip to the center of Rabat takes about 30-40 minutes, and the ticket price is approximately 25 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). This is an excellent choice for solo travelers and those looking to save money. There is no direct railway or tram connection to the airport, so a transfer will be required for further travel.

Taxis and Transfers offer greater comfort and convenience. "Grand taxis" are always stationed at the terminal — these are typically white Mercedes vehicles designed for intercity and airport trips. Unlike the urban "petit taxis," they have a higher tariff, which is often fixed for trips to the city. The cost of a taxi ride to the center of Rabat will be approximately 150-200 MAD. It is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip. You can also book a private transfer online in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with a name sign in the arrivals hall.

Car Rental is an ideal option for those planning to actively travel around Morocco. At Rabat-Salé Airport, there are offices of several international and local rental companies. You can pick up a car immediately upon arrival and comfortably set off to any point in the country. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to get the best prices and selection of models.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and offers both short-term and long-term parking options at reasonable rates.

Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) is a modern and compact hub, the structure of which is intuitively understandable even for inexperienced travelers. It consists of two terminals that are effectively combined into one building, making movement between them fast and convenient.

The main facility is Terminal 1 (T1) — a new, spacious building opened in 2012 to increase the airport's capacity. It serves the vast majority of international flights by major airlines. All essential passenger infrastructure is concentrated here: Duty-Free shops, cafes, restaurants, and business lounges. In turn, Terminal 2 (T2) is the older building. After the opening of the new terminal, it was repurposed and is now used primarily for domestic flights within Morocco, as well as for handling some budget and charter flights.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Since both terminals are under one roof, no special transport is required to move between them — a walk of a few minutes is sufficient. Arrival zones are traditionally located on the ground floor, and departure halls are on the first floor. All signs are in Arabic, French, and English, making orientation very easy. Thanks to the small size of the airport, getting lost here is practically impossible.

Completing all formalities generally does not take much time. Check-in and security screening take on average from 30 to 60 minutes, although delays are possible during peak hours or the height of the tourist season. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one, to go through all procedures without haste and enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea before your flight.

The history of Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) is closely linked to military aviation. Initially, it functioned as a military airfield and acquired special strategic importance in the mid-20th century. Between 1951 and 1963, during the Cold War, units of the US Air Force were stationed on its territory. Subsequently, the base came fully under the control of the Royal Moroccan Air Force and remains one of their most important facilities to this day.

Alongside its military purpose, the airport gradually developed as a civilian hub serving the country's capital. A real breakthrough in its development occurred at the beginning of the 21st century. In response to growing passenger traffic, large-scale modernization was carried out. A key event was the opening of a new modern terminal in January 2012, which allowed increasing the capacity to 3.5 million passengers per year. This reconstruction turned the airport into a modern complex convenient for travelers.

An interesting fact: Salé Airport retains its dual status, successfully combining civilian flights and military needs. It plays a key role in the transport network of Morocco, receiving not only regular and charter flights but also government aircraft. Although the airport serves the capital, geographically it is located in the neighboring city of Salé, which is reflected in its official name.

Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have coffee, grab a sandwich, or try local pastries. For those wishing to shop, there is a Duty-Free store with a classic assortment: perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs. Here you can also purchase traditional Moroccan goods, such as argan oil or sweets.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport has a VIP Lounge. It offers a calm atmosphere, complimentary beverages and snacks, as well as fresh press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are located in waiting areas, so you can always stay connected.

Rabat-Salé Airport provides all key services for travelers. There are bank branches and currency exchange points where you can exchange money for Moroccan Dirhams. For health-related issues, there is a medical point ready to provide first aid if necessary.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Assistance with movement through the terminal is provided, and there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children can use the mother and child room, where it is convenient to feed and change a baby in a quiet environment.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options for every taste and budget can be found just a few minutes away by taxi in the cities of Rabat and Salé. For business travelers, basic business services such as workspaces and internet access are usually provided in the VIP Lounge. Full-fledged conference rooms are best sought in the capital's major hotels.

At Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA), travelers can find several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection of establishments is not as vast as in major international hubs, there is everything necessary to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

The main part of the catering establishments is located after passing passport control and security, in the so-called "airside" zone. Here you will find several cafes offering both local dishes and familiar international snacks. This is a great place to enjoy a final cup of aromatic Moroccan mint tea or eat traditional pastries. The menu usually features sandwiches, salads, pizza, and hot beverages.

For those looking for something more substantial, the main restaurant in the departure zone offers heartier meals. Although a full tagine might be hard to find here, one can always count on hot sandwiches, pasta, or set meals. Prices at the airport are typically higher than the city average but remain at an acceptable level for an air hub. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

In the public zone (before flight check-in), there is also a small cafe where you can drink coffee and have a snack while seeing off friends or relatives. Regarding special dietary needs, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians will likely be offered vegetable salads or meat-free sandwiches. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff if you have strict dietary restrictions.

To ensure your journey through Salé Airport in Rabat goes smoothly and without unnecessary worry, use our tips. Planning is the key to a comfortable start or end to your trip to Morocco.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 2 hours before. Although Rabat-Salé Airport is not a giant, extra time will allow you to calmly go through all formalities. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Security checkpoints here work thoroughly, so prepare laptops and other gadgets in advance, and pack all liquids (up to 100 ml) in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, everything is standard: a window seat will offer beautiful views of the Atlantic coast during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat ensures more legroom and quick access to the exit. Do not put sharp objects in your hand luggage, aside from the standard set (documents, money, gadgets, portable charger). Important tip: if you bought a ceramic tagine as a souvenir, it is better to securely pack it in your checked luggage to avoid problems at security control.

Customs Control and Transfers. When passing through customs control, have your passport, boarding pass, and possibly hotel booking confirmation ready. Remember that the Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, and there are restrictions on its export. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. Usually, within a single ticket, luggage is transferred automatically.

Economy and Unforeseen Situations. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so it is better to have a snack beforehand. For currency exchange, it is more profitable to use ATMs rather than exchange bureaus. In case of a flight delay, first of all, contact your airline representative for information. It is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and an empty water bottle in your hand luggage, which can be filled after passing security control.