Israir Boosts Marrakech Flights Amidst Growing Competition

Israir is expanding its service to Marrakech, Morocco, by increasing its direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to three per week starting in early November. Flights will operate on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with ticket prices beginning at $360. The airline will utilize Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for these routes, offering greater flexibility for departure and return dates, accommodating both short breaks and longer stays of nine to twelve nights. Israir is positioning Marrakech as both a city break destination and a gateway for extended tours within Morocco.

This expansion comes at a time of increased 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 resumption follows a nearly three-year suspension of flights to Morocco, which began with the outbreak of war in October 2023.

If current schedules hold, by 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 fly on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, while Arkia and Sun D'or will operate on Mondays and Wednesdays. The advertised prices vary, with Israir starting at $360, 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 direct flight offerings from Israel are focused solely on Marrakech, unlike before the war when direct flights also served other Moroccan destinations. The nearly three-year pause has made Marrakech the first destination where direct flight options from Israel are being re-established.