the tail of an airplane

Los Angeles may soon become a far more direct gateway to Africa. Royal Air Maroc has announced new nonstop service between Casablanca (CMN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in mid-2026, while EgyptAir plans to launch Cairo (CAI) to LAX service in 2027. For West Coast travelers, that means access to Africa without routing through the East Coast, Europe, or the Middle East.

LAX Will Gain Two New Nonstop Africa Routes From Royal Air Maroc And EgyptAir

Royal Air Maroc has filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin service between Casablanca and Los Angeles starting June 2026. Operating its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, the Moroccan flag carrier will connect LAX to its growing African and European network. This expansion also pushes LAX further into the “six continent club,” with nonstop flights to every continent except Antarctica.

EgyptAir is planning to join the party as well. The airline recently re-affirmed its intention to launch Cairo to Los Angeles flights beginning in 2027. While details remain limited and subject to regulatory approval, EgyptAir’s move signals broader growth for U.S. West Coast and planned aircraft deliveries make the route more than just a remote possiblity.

I have flown and reviewed both carriers’ 787-9 business class products, and these new routes will give West Coast travelers a very attractive nonstop option for premium travel:

LAX Becomes An African Gateway

These new routes meaningfully reshape how Southern California travelers can reach Africa. Casablanca offers excellent one-stop connections to West Africa, Central Africa, and beyond. Cairo adds strong access throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Instead of flying to New York, Washington, or Europe to reach the continent, West Coast passengers will finally have a practical nonstop option with onward connectivity…and I bet we will see cheap fares too.

Royal Air Maroc’s Dreamliner fleet is relatively small, so the airline may need to shuffle aircraft to support the CMN-LAX route. EgyptAir’s start date, equipment choice, and frequency remain unconfirmed and will depend on aircraft availability and U.S. regulatory clearance. Both carriers, however, have been vocal about growing their U.S. presence as demand for Africa travel continues to rise.

Egypt Air once served Los Angeles but via New York (JFK). Royal Air Maroc has never served California.

CONCLUSION

The addition of Royal Air Maroc and EgyptAir service to LAX marks a material expansion of West Coast connectivity to Africa. These flights will open new opportunities for leisure and business travelers, simplify itineraries, and move LAX closer to being a true bridge between North America and Africa. I actually think these new routes will do very well…and I hope both eventually take off.