Morocco Air Route Competition Heats Up With Royal Air Maroc Entry

Royal Air Maroc, Morocco's national airline, may soon resume direct flights to Israel, increasing competition on the popular route. This development follows a diplomatic summit in New York attended by Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Pompeo. The summit concluded with agreements to expand direct flights between the two countries, potentially including Moroccan carriers within weeks.

Arkia and Sundor, Israeli airlines, currently operate direct flights between Israel and Morocco. Israir had previously canceled its operations on this route. The potential return of Royal Air Maroc could offer Israeli travelers more flight options and alter the competitive landscape for travel to Morocco.

In addition to aviation, the summit addressed upgrading diplomatic ties between Israel and Morocco. Both nations agreed to elevate their diplomatic missions to the ambassadorial level and appoint ambassadors. Foreign Minister Ashkenazi stated that the agreements reached aim to advance practical steps for deepening the ties between the Israeli and Moroccan peoples, emphasizing the deep roots of their relationship.