Israeli Airlines Cancel Flights to Marrakech Amid Security Concerns

El Al announced on Thursday that it is postponing the launch of its route to Marrakech, Morocco, originally scheduled for November 16, 2026. The airline is canceling flights to the popular destination until December 15, with the decision affecting Sun D'Or flights, part of the El Al group. This move follows directives from security officials and joins Israir and Arkia, which had already halted ticket sales to Marrakech. El Al is offering affected passengers full refunds, future travel vouchers, or rebooking on other El Al or Sun D'Or European routes without additional cost, provided the change is within three days of the original flight and subject to availability. El Al stated it is in continuous contact with security and relevant authorities to secure necessary approvals for the route.

Israir had previously announced on October 13 its halt in ticket sales to Marrakech and a freeze on expanding its operations to three weekly flights, along with pausing talks for an additional leased aircraft. Eight days later, on October 21, Arkia also announced a suspension of ticket sales to the destination, citing security officials' demands. Arkia is considering the future of the route and its implications for passengers who have already purchased tickets, including the possibility of operating flights through commercial partners.

The background to these decisions includes an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv about a month prior. Reports indicate the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, which was eventually forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Following this incident, Flydubai flights to Israel were temporarily suspended, and security officials reviewed aviation security procedures. Subsequently, security requirements for flights to Morocco were tightened, prompting Israeli airlines to cease ticket sales to the destination.