Successful Launch of Operation Marhaba 2026
Operation Marhaba 2026 has marked a significant milestone by facilitating a smooth passage for over 646,000 passengers and 160,000 vehicles traveling from Spain to Morocco within its inaugural month. This operation, which commenced on June 15 and is set to continue until September 15, has been characterized by efficient management despite the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) mandated by the European Union. According to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, the operation effectively handled a total of 2,220 maritime connections without significant delays, demonstrating outstanding logistical coordination between Spanish and Moroccan authorities.
Traffic Statistics and Key Routes
From June 15 to July 15, a total of 646,121 individuals and 160,698 vehicles made the journey across the Strait of Gibraltar. Although there was a slight decrease in passenger numbers by 4.9% and a 4.4% drop in vehicles compared to the previous year, the Algeciras-Tangier Med route retained its status as the busiest, accommodating 250,504 passengers and 75,700 vehicles. Following closely was the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route, which served 115,880 passengers and 16,904 vehicles. The Algeciras port emerged as the primary departure point, facilitating the transit of 357,590 passengers and 100,047 vehicles, significantly ahead of Almería and Tarifa, each catering to around 115,000 passengers.
The smooth execution of this operation is particularly noteworthy given the introduction of the EES, which replaces the traditional passport stamping process with digital biometric data recording for non-European travelers. This transition has been seamlessly integrated into the operational framework, contributing to the overall success of the Marhaba initiative. Furthermore, during the first month of the operation, port services conducted 386 medical interventions and provided 2,993 instances of social assistance, underscoring the comprehensive support framework established to ensure traveler safety and convenience.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
