Arkia Suspends Ticket Sales to Marrakech Amid Security Review

Israeli airline Arkia has temporarily halted ticket sales for flights to Marrakech, Morocco, following a directive from Israeli security services. The move comes as authorities intensify scrutiny over the operational conditions of foreign-leased aircraft and the employment of international crews.

This decision is reportedly linked to new safety regulations implemented after an incident involving a Flydubai aircraft, which prompted a broader review of civil aviation practices. The focus is on the practice of wet-leasing aircraft, where airlines rent planes along with their crews from foreign carriers to expand routes. Israeli security agencies are now re-evaluating the terms under which such flights operate, particularly concerning foreign crews and the authorization process.

While Arkia's already scheduled flights to Marrakech are not canceled, the future of the route remains uncertain. Israir, another Israeli airline, has reportedly made a similar decision. The suspension primarily affects passengers planning new trips, with those holding existing bookings advised to verify their flight status directly with the airline.

Arkia is currently in discussions with relevant government bodies to negotiate the terms for continued operations and is exploring alternative arrangements to maintain the Marrakech service. This route is a popular destination for Israelis, with tens of thousands visiting annually before the recent conflict.

This is not the first time Arkia has faced operational challenges related to leased aircraft and foreign crews. In mid-October, the airline had to cancel initial direct flights to Tokyo due to a lack of authorization from Japanese authorities, also stemming from the use of a leased aircraft with a foreign crew. While the reasons for the Israeli and Japanese interventions differ, both highlight concerns over the operational standards of third-party aircraft and crews.