Israir Boosts Marrakech Flights Amid Rising Competition
Translated & summarized from Bizportal by baba
Israir is increasing its direct flights to Marrakech to three per week starting in November, facing growing competition from Arkia and Sun D'Or on the route. The airlines collectively plan to offer up to seven weekly flights, covering five days.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israir will operate three weekly flights to Marrakech starting November.
- Arkia and Sun D'Or also offer direct flights to Marrakech.
- Three Israeli airlines will provide up to seven weekly flights to Marrakech.
- Prices start from $329 one-way, with variations based on services.
- The renewed service focuses exclusively on Marrakech.
Israir is expanding its direct flight operations to Marrakech, Morocco, increasing its service to three flights per week starting in early November. The flights will depart from Ben Gurion Airport on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, utilizing a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Ticket prices will start at $360 one-way. This frequency increase aims to offer more flexible travel options, including short breaks and longer stays of up to 12 nights, positioning Marrakech as both a city break destination and a gateway for broader exploration of Morocco.
The expansion comes at a time of heightened competition on the route. Arkia resumed its direct flights to Marrakech on August 24th after a three-year hiatus, operating two weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays with Airbus A320 aircraft, initially advertising prices from $329 one-way. Sun D'Or, part of the El Al group, is set to join the market on November 16th with two weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays, starting at $599 for a round-trip 'Lite' ticket. Sun D'Or's return follows a nearly three-year suspension of flights to Morocco after the outbreak of the October 2023 war.
If current schedules hold, by mid-November, three Israeli airlines will offer up to seven direct weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech, covering five days of the week. Israir will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, while Arkia and Sun D'Or will fly on Mondays and Wednesdays. The advertised prices vary, with Israir starting at $360 one-way, Sun D'Or at $599 round-trip, and Arkia at $329 one-way, with final costs influenced by baggage allowances, ticket types, and seat availability.
Currently, the renewed Israeli airline activity in Morocco is focused solely on Marrakech. Prior to the war, direct flights also served other Moroccan destinations, but these routes have not yet been reinstated. The nearly three-year pause has made Marrakech the first destination where direct flight offerings from Israel are being rebuilt.
