Direct flights between Israel and Morocco resume after nearly three years

Yesterday 13:49

By: Azzat Manal

Direct flights between Israel and Morocco resume after nearly three years

Direct air travel between Israel and Morocco is gradually returning, with flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech resuming after a suspension that followed the outbreak of the regional conflict in October 2023.

Israeli airline Arkia has restarted the direct route to Marrakech, marking a new step in the restoration of air connectivity between the two countries. The route had remained suspended for an extended period amid heightened security concerns and disruptions affecting international travel in the region.

According to the airline’s previously announced schedule, the Marrakech route is expected to operate twice a week, on Mondays and Wednesdays, using Airbus A320 aircraft. The resumption provides travelers with a direct option between the two destinations instead of relying on connecting flights.

Marrakech remains one of Morocco’s most prominent tourism destinations, attracting visitors with its historic medina, cultural heritage, hotels and international tourism infrastructure. The return of direct flights could therefore facilitate travel for Israeli visitors and contribute to renewed tourism exchanges.

The reopening also comes within the broader context of efforts to restore direct transportation links between Morocco and Israel. Air connectivity has been an important element of the relationship between the two countries, particularly for tourism, business and visits by people with family or cultural ties.

The suspension of flights following the events of October 2023 had significantly affected direct passenger movement. The gradual return of scheduled services now offers an opportunity to rebuild part of the traffic that previously existed between the two markets.

For Arkia, the resumption of the Marrakech route also represents an expansion of its international network at a time when airlines continue to adjust their schedules according to demand and regional security conditions.

The development will be closely monitored by the tourism and aviation sectors, particularly because the continuity of international routes depends on passenger demand as well as the security environment.

If operations remain stable, the renewed connection could strengthen travel links between Morocco and Israel and support the gradual recovery of tourism and commercial exchanges between the two countries.