Israir Cancels Morocco Flights as El Al Steps In with Marrakech Route
Israir has canceled its planned flights to Morocco due to operational hurdles, while El Al's subsidiary Sun Dour steps in to launch twice-weekly flights to Marrakech starting November.
The flight map to North Africa is changing rapidly. Just months after announcing the opening of its route to Morocco and starting active ticket sales, Israir is expected to completely cancel its operations to the destination.
The background for the dramatic decision by the airline owned by businessman Rami Levy, according to a report on N12, stems from complex operational difficulties with local authorities and officials in Morocco. Israir's cancellation upends the original plan to operate regular flights as early as the Tishrei holidays.
However, while Israir is pulling back, rival airline El Al is quick to capitalize on the vacuum and shift into high gear. Its leisure subsidiary, Sun Dour, announced the return of direct flights to Marrakech starting this coming winter.
According to El Al's work plan, the first flight will take off on November 16, subject to regulatory approvals, and the route will operate twice a week. Ticket prices will start at 600 dollars. For Israeli passengers seeking an alternative to the canceled flights, the battle for the coveted route proves that the skies to Morocco may be turbulent, but remain open.
