Moroccan Residents in Central France Face Travel Challenges After Flight Cancellation
Many Moroccans residing in the Auvergne region of central France are now forced to undertake lengthy journeys, traveling hundreds of kilometers to reach alternative airports, following the cancellation of direct flights connecting Clermont-Ferrand Airport to the city of Fez. This flight route, which began operations in November 2022 with two weekly flights, had provided a convenient option for families, tourists, and individuals regularly commuting between France and Morocco. However, the situation changed dramatically when Ryanair announced the complete cessation of operations at Clermont-Ferrand Airport in March 2026.
As a result of this cancellation, travelers are now redirected to airports in Lyon or Toulouse, while others opt for land travel to the French city of Sète or even cross parts of Spain before heading to Morocco. This not only extends travel time but also escalates costs, particularly for families traveling with children or elderly individuals. The ripple effect of this cancellation has prompted many affected passengers to initiate a petition advocating for the restoration of the flight link between Clermont-Ferrand and Morocco, which garnered over a thousand signatures by August 11. Local elected officials have also been contacted to rally support for this cause.
Proponents of the petition assert that the two weekly flights had an occupancy rate nearing 90%, although Ryanair has not officially confirmed this figure. The apparent lack of justification for the cancellation has left many former passengers bewildered, as they considered the route vital and active for the Moroccan community in the region. Families affected by this development hope that another airline will step in to fill the void left by the canceled flights, especially since the absence of a direct connection has led some families to reduce their annual visits to Morocco due to the increased travel time and rising costs.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
