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Join on Telegram Rabat – Morocco’s flag carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has come under fire for its shockingly expensive ticket prices, sparking widespread outrage among Moroccans living in the United States who intend to spend their summer holidays in the North African country.
Angered by RAM’s price hike, many Moroccan social media users have declared their strong discontent, with many calling for a boycott of the airline.
Moroccan Americans in New York, a Facebook page hosting thousands of Moroccan citizens living in New York voiced out their frustration over the soaring prices, warning RAM of possible consequences. “If Royal Air Maroc does not review their ticket prices in the coming weeks, this company will witness the biggest boycott campaign from Moroccans living in North America in history,” the Facebook page said.
The page stressed that the Moroccan community living in the United States is “prepared for all forms of protest,” including protests in front of the company’s headquarters in New York.
Highlighting the patriotism of the Moroccan community living in North America, the page underlined MREs’ commitment to support the national economy instead of the economy of European countries “hostile” to Morocco. “But this community does not accept the provocations of this company [Royal Air Maroc],” the page concluded.
People who want to book a direct roundtrip flight from New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport to Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport for the month of June are required to pay over $1800.
Harming Morocco’s Tourism
A Moroccan living in the United States, who preferred to speak under the condition of anonymity, shared with Morocco World News his thoughts regarding the soaring prices.
“The prices that Royal Air Maroc is practicing this year go against any logic and will do a lot of harm to the country’s tourism industry,” he said, warning that this will push “tens of thousands” of tourists to “shun” Morocco and travel to other countries with cheaper airline services.
The passenger added, “it is just scandalous that an airfare from Washington or New York to Casablanca would cost around $1,800 while a Washington or New-York-Madrid bound flight with Iberia cost around $800.”
Faced with the shockingly high prices, the passenger decided to travel to Spain this year instead of Morocco, saying that he cannot afford to pay nearly $10,000 in flights for his family of five.
“It saddens me and angers at the same time to know that my kids won’t have the chance to go visit their country of origin,” he added.
Due to the high ticket prices, which will make it difficult for Moroccans living abroad to visit their home country, “second and third generation Moroccans living in the United States will lose any feeling of belonging to Morocco,” he warned.
A roundtrip flight from Washington’s Dulles International Airport to Casablanca Airport costs $2,306, starting June 16.
Moroccans studying abroad have also expressed their frustration over the soaring ticket prices.
Angry citizens have been flooding RAM’s social media platforms with complaints. “I want to go to Morocco so bad this summer … when are you lowering your flight prices,” said an Instagram user.
According to converging reports, a source from Royal Air Maroc said that the company will look into the possibility of reducing its prices. The source noted, however, that other airlines will also witness increases in flight prices.
