Marrakech celebrated a significant milestone on the evening of August 19, 2026, as the inaugural flight of the Israeli airline Arkia took off, reestablishing a direct link with Tel Aviv after nearly three years of suspension. This pivotal event was reported by the specialized media outlet Israel Travel News in an article published on August 20. The Jerusalem Post also covered this momentous occasion in an article authored by Meital Sharabi, released on August 25, 2026. The daily newspaper framed this resumption as the return of a particularly appealing Moroccan destination within the tourism offerings available to Israeli travelers, highlighting Arkia as the first Israeli airline to reinstate direct flights to Marrakech since the service was halted three years prior.
It is essential to note the distinction between the arrival of this inaugural flight on August 19 and the commencement of the regular flight schedule set for August 24, 2026, which will feature two weekly flights as announced by the airline and reported by the JNS agency. According to Israel Travel News, the departure ceremony held at Ben-Gurion Airport was graced by the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Transportation Minister Miri Regev, and several aviation industry officials. However, it is important to clarify that this attendance pertained solely to the send-off of the flight and does not indicate that the Israeli Prime Minister traveled to Morocco. The restoration of this route follows months of coordination between Moroccan and Israeli aviation authorities and security services.
In its presentation of this destination, the Jerusalem Post emphasized the numerous attractions of Marrakech, including its historic medina, vibrant souks, stunning palaces, rich gastronomy, and proximity to breathtaking desert landscapes. These features solidify Marrakech's position as one of the premier destinations in Moroccan tourism. The resumption of this direct service not only facilitates access to the ochre city but also has the potential to boost tourism, as well as family and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
As reported by lareleve.ma.
