Israeli Flights to Morocco Face Uncertainty Over New Security Demands
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Direct flights from Israel to Morocco are in jeopardy due to new security demands reportedly from the Shin Bet. Airlines like Arkia, Israir, and Sun D'or, which recently resumed or planned to start routes to Marrakech, may face operational difficulties. The flights were previously suspended due to the "Swords of Iron War" and have only recently restarted. The exact nature of the new security requirements and their impact remain unconfirmed.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli flights to Morocco are uncertain due to new security demands attributed to the Shin Bet.
- Airlines like Arkia, Israir, and Sun D'or could be impacted by these new requirements.
- Direct flights to Marrakech were only recently resumed after a nearly three-year break.
- The flights were initially suspended in October 2023 due to the "Swords of Iron War."
- The specifics of the new security demands and their effect are not yet clear.
Direct flights between Israel and Morocco are once again facing uncertainty due to new security requirements attributed to the Shin Bet. Israeli airlines may struggle to continue operating routes to Marrakech, just months after they were resumed following a prolonged suspension. Arkia was the first Israeli airline to restart flights to Morocco, resuming its direct route to Marrakech on August 24 after nearly a three-year hiatus, with plans for two weekly flights following extensive efforts with security officials. Israir also resumed flights to the destination but encountered difficulties in September obtaining necessary approvals from Moroccan authorities. While the route's cancellation was considered at one point, senior officials intervened, securing the approvals and allowing operations to continue. Sun D'or, part of El Al, announced its intention to begin operating two weekly flights to Marrakech starting November 16, pending required approvals. The current concern is that additional security demands will hinder ongoing operations and planned expansions. However, the specifics of these new demands, which companies they affect, and whether any decisions have been made remain unclear. Direct flights to Morocco were halted in October 2023 following the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, due to the security situation and travel advisories for Israelis. Their resumption this past summer allowed direct travel to Marrakech without layovers in a third country. As of now, neither the Shin Bet nor the airlines have issued official statements regarding route cancellations due to the new demands.
