In an announcement made late Saturday night into Sunday, Royal Air Maroc revealed a temporary suspension of several international flights, primarily attributed to the soaring prices of jet fuel, specifically kerosene. This surge in costs is largely a consequence of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, coupled with a decline in demand for certain air travel routes.
The airline stated in its official communication that this decision is directly linked to the exceptional increase in operational costs that have severely impacted the global aviation sector. This financial strain has compelled numerous airlines to reassess their flight schedules and temporarily adjust their capacity to mitigate further losses.
Specifically, Royal Air Maroc announced the temporary suspension of flights on the following routes: Casablanca – Bangui, Casablanca – Brazzaville, Casablanca – Kinshasa, Casablanca – Douala, Casablanca – Yaoundé, Casablanca – Libreville, Tangier – Malaga, Tangier – Barcelona, Marrakech – Lyon, Marrakech – Bordeaux, Marrakech – Marseille, and Marrakech – Brussels.
A source from Royal Air Maroc, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the press, indicated that the spike in kerosene prices, which have tripled in the international market compared to levels before the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, has prompted the airline's management to reassess the scheduling of flights and destinations experiencing reduced demand.
The source elaborated in a conversation with Al-Arabi Al-Jadid that the rise in production costs, stemming from the impacts of the ongoing conflict, has led to the suspension of several routes that were incurring significant losses for the company. Kerosene typically accounts for a substantial portion of an airline's operational expenses, usually ranging from 15% to 30% of total costs, and in some instances, this expenditure can surpass the budget allocated for human resources within the companies.
While the rising costs of jet fuel have prompted several airlines to increase ticket prices, Royal Air Maroc has, as of now, refrained from adjusting its fares or revising its pricing strategy in line with international market developments. Furthermore, the airline has assured that it will take all necessary measures to support affected passengers during this suspension. They are closely monitoring the international situation and plan to gradually resume these routes as soon as operational and economic conditions permit.
As reported by alaraby.co.uk.
