Direct Flights Between Israel and Morocco Set to Resume
After a three-year hiatus that was primarily due to the ongoing conflict, direct flights between Ben Gurion Airport in Israel and Marrakech, Morocco, are set to return, marking a significant development in tourism and travel between the two nations. Israeli airline Arkia announced that it will recommence its direct flight services starting August 24, 2026. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to revitalize one of the crucial tourism routes that had been disrupted since the beginning of the "Iron Swords" conflict, even in the face of persistent political and security sensitivities surrounding Israeli travel to Morocco.
According to a report from journalist Asaf Vaknin on the Makor News website, Arkia will operate flights twice weekly, specifically on Mondays and Wednesdays, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. This initiative not only restores the connection for Israeli travelers but also reopens access to one of North Africa's most captivating destinations.
The resumption of these flights follows extensive negotiations between the airline management and security authorities, as detailed in the report. The ticket prices will start at approximately $329 for a one-way trip, and it’s important to note that Israeli passport holders will require a visa to enter Morocco.
Earlier in the previous year, the Israeli Ministry of Transportation announced that agreements had been reached between Morocco and Israel regarding the resumption of direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to both Marrakech and Casablanca. However, actual implementation had been delayed until now.
The cessation of flights occurred at the onset of the "Iron Swords" war when the Israeli National Security Council elevated travel warnings for Morocco to a level 3 alert. Nevertheless, many Israelis continued to travel to Morocco over the past two years, primarily through connecting flights from Spain, Germany, and other European destinations, despite facing protests and demonstrations, including the raising of Palestinian flags.
With the return of the Marrakech route, Arkia aims to reconnect what was severed by the conflict, facilitating travel once again. However, it is crucial to recognize that travel to Morocco remains intertwined with broader security and political considerations that extend beyond mere flight schedules and ticket prices.
As reported by lebanondebate.com.
