Sun D'Or to Relaunch Direct Flights to Marrakech After Three-Year Hiatus

Sun D'Or, a subsidiary of El Al, will resume direct flights from Israel to Marrakech, Morocco, starting November 16th, following a nearly three-year suspension. The airline plans to operate two weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays, pending necessary approvals. This move marks a significant step in the return of Israeli airlines to Morocco, a route that was halted after October 7, 2023, due to the war and heightened travel advisories.

Before the suspension, direct flights were common, but since then, Israelis wishing to travel to Morocco have typically relied on connecting flights through European hubs. Arkia was the first to re-establish direct service, resuming flights to Marrakech in August with two weekly services. Israir also operated direct flights, though its schedule is currently set to conclude by the end of October.

Sun D'Or's entry intensifies competition on the Marrakech route, as both Arkia and Sun D'Or will offer two flights each on the same days. While Sun D'Or's introductory round-trip fare is advertised starting at $599 for a LITE ticket, Arkia's initial one-way price was from $329. The actual cost-effectiveness will depend on specific dates, availability, and ticket conditions.

Despite the resumption of flights, the Israeli aviation presence in Morocco has not fully returned to pre-war levels. Direct connections are currently concentrated on Marrakech, with other Moroccan cities like Casablanca, Fez, Tangier, and Agadir still requiring connecting flights. Furthermore, Israeli passport holders need to obtain a visa in advance, a requirement that adds a layer of complexity for travelers.

The return of flights also occurs against a backdrop of security sensitivities, including anti-Israel protests in Morocco since the start of the war. Sun D'Or's addition of Marrakech is part of a broader strategy to expand its winter offerings, which will include 13 destinations, positioning itself as a complementary network to El Al with a focus on leisure and seasonal routes.