Operation Marhaba 2026 reaches record passenger and vehicle crossings

Tuesday 04 August 2026 - 07:17

By: Azzat Manal

Operation Marhaba 2026 reaches record passenger and vehicle crossings

Operation Marhaba 2026 has reached a new milestone as thousands of Moroccans living abroad continue returning home for the summer holiday season. Authorities reported record levels of passenger and vehicle traffic across the Strait of Gibraltar, making this one of the busiest periods since the annual operation began.

More than 39,000 passengers and over 10,000 vehicles crossed the strait in a single day through the Spanish ports of Algeciras and Tarifa, reflecting the strong seasonal movement between Europe and Morocco. Algeciras handled the majority of the traffic, serving routes to Tangier Med and Ceuta, while Tarifa continued to provide regular ferry services to Tangier.

The sea route connecting Tarifa and Tangier also recorded its highest daily number of transported vehicles, highlighting the growing demand for ferry services during the peak summer travel period.

The first weekend of August traditionally marks the busiest stage of Operation Marhaba, but this year's traffic has been even heavier due to temporary changes affecting other border crossing points. Port authorities also faced additional operational challenges caused by dense morning fog, which slowed ferry arrivals and departures across the Strait of Gibraltar.

To manage the increased demand, transport authorities implemented several measures, including opening additional waiting areas for vehicles, allowing passengers to board the first available ferry regardless of their original booking, adding extra high-speed ferry services, and temporarily limiting freight traffic to prioritize passenger vehicles.

The Port of Algeciras alone handled tens of thousands of travelers and thousands of vehicles over the weekend, reinforcing its position as the principal maritime gateway linking Europe with northern Morocco during the annual migration period.

Operation Marhaba, organized each year from mid-June to mid-September, is one of the largest seasonal passenger transport operations in the world. It supports millions of members of the Moroccan diaspora traveling from Europe to spend their summer holidays with family and friends in Morocco.

With dozens of daily ferry departures scheduled during the busiest weeks, authorities on both sides of the Mediterranean continue coordinating efforts to ensure smooth crossings, enhance safety, and reduce waiting times. The operation remains a key logistical undertaking that reflects the strong social, cultural, and economic ties connecting Morocco with its communities living across Europe.