El Al expands Tel Aviv-Marrakech flights as Morocco-Israel travel links recover

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 21:49

The reopening of direct air links between Morocco and Israel is gaining momentum, with El Al preparing to add its capacity to the Tel Aviv-Marrakech route later this year.

Through its subsidiary Sun d’Or, El Al plans to operate two weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech from November 16, subject to the required regulatory approvals. Introductory round-trip fares are set to start at $599 under the carrier’s basic Lite fare.

The announcement places El Al alongside other Israeli carriers that have recently returned to the Moroccan market, reinforcing the gradual restoration of direct connectivity after flights were suspended following the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent regional conflict.

More seats for a recovering tourism market

Sun d’Or’s decision comes as demand for travel between Israel and Morocco shows signs of recovery. The carrier will operate its Marrakech service on Mondays and Wednesdays, adding capacity to a market that has so far relied on a limited number of direct connections.

The Jerusalem Post reported on September 15 that approximately 20,000 Israeli visitors could travel to Morocco by the end of 2026. The figure remains well below the levels recorded before the interruption of direct air services, when Morocco had become an increasingly popular destination among Israeli travelers.

The return of direct flights is therefore being closely watched by tourism professionals in Marrakech and elsewhere in Morocco. More frequent services could make travel easier for both leisure visitors and members of the Moroccan Jewish diaspora with links to Israel.

Marrakech at the center of renewed connectivity

Marrakech has emerged as the principal destination in the latest phase of the air link's revival. Its international profile, tourism infrastructure and established appeal among foreign visitors make the city a natural entry point for renewed travel from Israel.

The route's return also restores a connection that had expanded significantly after Morocco and Israel normalized diplomatic relations in 2020. Direct services subsequently linked Israeli travelers with destinations including Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir.

The latest expansion suggests that airlines are responding to renewed demand while taking a measured approach to capacity. Rather than an immediate return to the network size seen before 2023, the market is being rebuilt progressively through additional frequencies.

Tourism recovery accompanied by stronger trade

The aviation revival is taking place alongside an increase in merchandise trade between Morocco and Israel.

Data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics show that bilateral goods trade reached $105.5 million during the first six months of 2026, representing a 69.6% increase from the same period a year earlier. The figures are provisional and cover goods cleared through customs rather than services.

Israeli exports to Morocco amounted to approximately $94 million, up 67.3%, while Moroccan exports to Israel reached $11.5 million, an increase of 91.7%. Despite the faster growth of Moroccan exports in percentage terms, the balance remained heavily weighted toward Israeli sales to Morocco.

The figures point to a relationship that extends beyond tourism, although the overall value of bilateral trade remains relatively limited compared with Morocco’s commercial exchanges with its largest international partners.

A broader economic dimension

The renewed flight network could provide additional opportunities for business travel and professional exchanges, particularly if passenger demand continues to strengthen.

Tourism remains the most immediate driver of the air connection, but greater mobility can also facilitate commercial contacts in sectors where the two countries have explored cooperation, including agriculture and technology.

For Marrakech, the restoration of direct Israeli services comes at a time when the city continues to strengthen its position as an international tourism hub. For Israeli carriers, meanwhile, the addition of Morocco to winter schedules reflects an effort to rebuild a destination that had attracted significant demand before the interruption of direct flights.

A gradual return rather than a full reset

The expansion announced by Sun d’Or does not by itself signal a complete return to the level of connectivity seen before 2023. Yet the sequence of airline announcements points to a gradual reopening of the market.

With El Al's subsidiary preparing to enter the route alongside other Israeli operators, travelers will have more direct options between Tel Aviv and Marrakech. The development will also provide an important test of whether pent-up demand can translate into sustained passenger volumes.

For Morocco and Israel, the evolution of the route will be watched not only through passenger numbers but also through the broader economic activity generated by renewed mobility. The coming winter season is likely to provide the clearest indication of how quickly the bilateral travel market can rebuild.