Rabat – Israeli airline Arkia has suspended ticket sales for flights to Marrakech until further notice following a request from Israeli security authorities, Israeli media reported.
The decision, announced on October 21, comes about two months after Arkia resumed direct flights to Marrakech following a suspension of nearly three years. Israeli media outlets, including The Times of Israel and Israel Hayom, reported that the airline is discussing the future of the route with the relevant authorities.
Arkia said it is in contact with security officials to discuss whether it can continue operating the route and what the decision means for passengers who have already purchased tickets.
The airline added that, if Israeli authorities decide to stop Israeli carriers from flying to Marrakech, it will explore alternatives, including operating flights through commercial partners.
The company has not provided a final decision on the future of the route or confirmed what arrangements will be made for all existing bookings.
Security concerns
The suspension follows a similar move by Israeli airline Israir, which stopped selling tickets for flights to Marrakech earlier in October while waiting for clarification of new security instructions.
According to Israeli media reports, the measures follow the security incident involving a flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv in late September. The incident raised concerns among Israeli authorities about security arrangements for foreign aircraft and crews operating international flights.
The new instructions could affect Israeli airlines that use aircraft and crews hired from foreign companies, a practice known as wet leasing. Under such arrangements, an airline rents an aircraft together with its crew and other operational services.
Israeli authorities have not publicly clarified all the new requirements, which leaves airlines uncertain about how they can continue operating some international routes.
Direct flights in doubt
Arkia resumed direct flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech in August, with two weekly services. The return of the route followed a period of nearly three years without direct flights operated by Israeli carriers after October 7.
Morocco has remained a destination of interest for Israeli travellers, including those visiting family roots, exploring the country’s culture or joining organized tours.
The uncertainty has also affected other airlines. On October 22, Israeli media reported that El Al had postponed the planned launch of its Sun d’Or flights to Marrakech, which had been scheduled to begin in November.
The latest decisions could limit direct travel options between the two countries as airlines await further security guidance.
