All You Need To Know About Marrakesh Menara Airport

Inaugurated in 1952, Marrakesh Menara Airport is among the most beautiful airports in the world. The airport was by designed by E2A, a Swiss architectural company. This airport has beautiful buildings with amazing features in Islamic ornamental designs with a gorgeous façade. The design gives this contemporary structure a traditional appeal.

Location

This airport is 6 kilometres southwest of Marrakech. Locating it is just a simple drive down Avenue de la Menara and following signs to the airport. Menara Airport has two terminals with parking space outside the main terminal for about 363 cars. Other facilities at the airport include:

Car hireMoney exchange counterPost officeFax machineWireless internetDuty free shopsPrayer roomMedical assistanceRestaurantsSnack bars Routes served

Menara Airport serves a growing range of travel destinations all over the world. The most popular routes include destinations to Europe including ROME, London, Paris, Madrid, and other major cities. Other seasonal routes include Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. For long haul flights, you’ll have to take a flight from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport. A plane change is required to reach far away destinations such as the USA, Middle East, Asia, South America, and other African countries.

Arrival

This airport has a modern design and beautiful facilities. However, it’s often crowded and disorganized leading to long queues at the ticket counters and security office. When in a rush, ensure to arrive early to avoid meeting long queues. Fortunately, you can opt for fast track in Marrakech to enjoy a quick way through the airport. The assistant will help carry your bags from the arrivals to your airport car service.

When arriving at the airport on an international flight, you will arrive at the international section before passing through immigration and customs. This airport is small and you’ll have to tussle it out with other passengers to go through the various processes. Booking a meet and greet service will save you a lot of time for a smooth experience at this airport.

Airlines

Marrakech Menara Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre with services extending to Europe and Arab countries. Apart from Royal Air Maroc, the national airline, other most popular airlines at this airport include:

Jet4you

Vueling

EasyJet

Transavia

Air Europa

Edelweiss Air

Iberia Airlines

Thomson Airlines

Terminal 1 is large and modern offering quality services for travellers arriving and departing.

Other services 

Internet

Just like other airports that meet international standards, there’s access to free Wi-Fi at Menara Airport. Since Morocco is a French-speaking country, Wi-Fi is pronounced as “wee-fee” in French. This will come in handy when making inquiries at the airport or any other part of the country. For digital nomads, you might need to purchase a data SIM or an internet dongle from a kiosk at the airport

Language

Although Morocco is predominantly French speaking with others speaking Arabic, English speaking is taking shape as well. Navigating throughout the airport is quite easy with quality signage various languages including English. The airport staff and most service providers are likely to speak English to array the fears about not speaking French or Arabic.

Smoking

For those who can’t do without a quick puff, smoking at this airport is allowed in the smoking boxes outside the terminal front. When arriving from an international flight, check the smoking sections adjacent Gate A1.

Personal services

You have to take advantage of dirty free shopping at this airport with a range of items including perfume and tobacco. Additionally, you can’t miss the various craft and souvenir shops to pick up some wonderful souvenirs from your trip. Apart from the local pastry (https://marocmama.com/what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid-in-marrakech/) shop in Terminal 2, the airport has some cafes where to grab a quick bite. Unfortunately, this airport doesn’t offer much in terms of conference and business facilities but nearby hotels will have some good options. Banks, ATMs, and currency exchange facilities are everywhere at the airport.

Wrapping up

Ranked among the top most beautiful airports in the world, Marrakesh Menara Airport has a lot to offer any traveller. This modern facility has a beautiful Instagram-worthy design that will surely make a lasting impression. With the heavy traffic at this airport, consider booking fast track service to make your way through this airport easier and faster.