Direct Flights Resume Between Israel and Morocco
After a hiatus of three years, the Israeli airline Arkia is set to resume its direct flights to Morocco, a decision that follows the escalation of tensions and conflict affecting the Gaza Strip. According to Channel 12 in Israel, the airline will commence operations on Wednesday, marking a significant development in the resumption of air travel between the two nations.
Arkia's first flight from Tel Aviv to Marrakech is scheduled to take off at 13:10 local time (10:10 GMT), as indicated by the flight schedule published by Ben Gurion International Airport. This resumption is particularly noteworthy for Israeli travelers eager to return to Morocco, a country that has historical ties to a substantial Jewish community. The airline plans to operate two flights per week using modern Airbus A320 aircraft, catering to the anticipated demand from passengers.
The reintegration of direct flights comes in light of the diplomatic relations that were re-established in July 2021, following eight months after the normalization agreements brokered by the Trump administration. Under these agreements, the U.S. recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, making Morocco the fourth Arab nation to formalize relations with Israel, joining the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan.
Channel 12 highlights that approximately 700,000 Israelis are of Moroccan descent, reflecting the historical connections that have persisted over the years. The resumption of these flights is expected to enhance civil aviation traffic in the region, fulfilling the needs of travelers while coinciding with ongoing diplomatic initiatives related to the Abraham Accords, which have shaped recent intergovernmental relations.
As reported by royanews.tv.
