The recent discontinuation of the direct flight route between Clermont-Ferrand and Fès has significantly impacted the travel plans of Moroccan families residing in the Auvergne region. Previously, these families enjoyed the convenience of a direct connection to Morocco, but now they face the inconvenience of traveling to either Lyon or Toulouse to board their flights. Despite reports indicating a nearly 90% occupancy rate for this route, the service was abruptly terminated, leading to over a thousand individuals advocating for its reinstatement.
The elimination of direct flights to Fès, which were launched by Ryanair in November 2022, has disrupted the travel logistics for many Moroccans living in central France. Passengers wishing to travel to Fès or other cities within Morocco must now either embark on a lengthy road trip to a distant airport or accept inconvenient layovers. The route, which operated twice weekly, had become a preferred option for families, tourists, and individuals commuting between France and Morocco.
However, Ryanair completely withdrew from Clermont-Ferrand Airport in March 2026, also discontinuing flights to London and Porto, citing an increase in aviation taxes imposed in France as a major factor for their departure. In response to this situation, Nadine and her husband initiated a petition calling for the restoration of a direct flight to Morocco. As of August 11, the petition has garnered more than 1,000 signatures, highlighting the strong community support for this cause. Local officials in Clermont-Ferrand have also been approached regarding this issue.
The advocates for the petition argue that the two weekly flights were operating at nearly full capacity, a statistic not officially confirmed by Ryanair, but one that adds to the frustration of former passengers who regarded the route as highly utilized. For Nadine's family, the loss of this flight has had immediate repercussions. Previously, they traveled to Morocco up to four times a year to visit relatives, but now they only anticipate making a single trip this year, opting for a more cumbersome and time-consuming ferry journey.
Travelers now find themselves needing to make their way to Lyon or Toulouse to catch flights, while others are resorting to longer routes through Sète or even parts of Spain before heading to Morocco. Such alternatives significantly extend travel times and increase expenses, particularly for families with children and elderly members. Petitioners remain hopeful that another airline will step in to resume the service. They reference the case of Porto, which, after Ryanair's departure, gradually regained flight connections from Clermont-Ferrand due to the emergence of a new operator.
For the Moroccan community in Auvergne, the significance of this issue extends beyond mere convenience. The direct flight to Fès represented a vital link to their families back home and allowed them to bypass several hours of arduous travel. In the absence of a replacement service, what was once a straightforward two-hour flight has now morphed into a lengthy, costly, and often discouraging journey.
As reported by bladi.net.
