Arkia Halts Ticket Sales to Marrakech Amid New Security Demands

Israeli airline Arkia announced on Wednesday that it is suspending ticket sales for its flights to Marrakech, Morocco, effectively pausing the route for the time being. The company stated that the decision was made due to new security requirements and directives from Israeli authorities, which prevent the route from operating in its current format. Arkia is in continuous contact with security officials and is evaluating the future operation of the route, as well as the implications for customers who have already purchased tickets.

"Should Israeli authorities decide to halt flights by Israeli companies to Marrakech, we will examine additional alternatives that will allow operations to Morocco, including operating flights through commercial partners," the company said. Arkia's announcement follows a similar move by Israir just last week. Israir had then announced the cancellation of some of its planned flights to Morocco due to security issues, stemming from the same new security directives. Consequently, Israir also canceled the lease of an additional aircraft intended for the route, indicating a trend toward a complete cancellation of Israeli flights to Morocco in the near future.

This marks the second significant cancellation for Arkia within a week. Last week, the airline was forced to cancel its planned flights to Japan after failing to obtain the necessary approvals from Japanese authorities to operate the route. That cancellation led to complaints from passengers who had already bought tickets and had their vacations disrupted.