Third Israeli Airline Cancels Marrakech Flights Amid Security Concerns
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Sun d'Or, an Israeli airline, has canceled its Marrakech flights until December 15 due to security concerns, following similar actions by Arkia and Israir. The cancellations are linked to stricter security measures after a September 30 incident on a Flydubai flight. Affected passengers are offered refunds or rebookings. The resumption of flights after December 15 is uncertain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sun d'Or canceled Marrakech flights until December 15 due to security directives.
- Arkia and Israir previously halted ticket sales or flight expansions to Marrakech.
- Security concerns escalated after an attempted terrorist act on a Flydubai flight.
- Affected Sun d'Or passengers can receive refunds, vouchers, or rebookings.
- The resumption of flights after December 15 remains uncertain.
Sun d'Or, a subsidiary of El Al, announced on Thursday, October 22, that it is postponing the launch of its route to Marrakech, originally scheduled for November 16. All flights planned until December 15 have been canceled. This decision follows Arkia's halt on ticket sales to Marrakech the previous day and Israir's similar move nine days prior. Unlike Arkia, which has not yet canceled previously sold tickets, Sun d'Or is offering affected passengers full refunds, vouchers, or rebooking on alternative routes without additional cost. Passengers can choose a full refund, a future voucher, or a transfer to one of El Al's or Sun d'Or's European destinations. This rebooking is possible within three days before or after the original departure date, subject to availability, with no extra charge for fare differences or airport fees. El Al stated that the company is in constant contact with security services and relevant authorities to obtain necessary permits and will provide updates. It remains unclear if flights will resume after December 15.
The cancellations stem from tightened security requirements following an attempted terrorist act on a Flydubai flight on September 30, where a co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the plane en route to Israel. This incident prompted Israeli security services to review and enhance security protocols for flights to and from Israel. Arkia had previously stopped selling tickets to Marrakech on October 21, citing security directives, and is exploring options to continue serving the route, possibly through commercial partners. Israir had also frozen its expansion plans for Marrakech flights, halting negotiations for an additional aircraft and ceasing ticket sales pending final security instructions. Arkia had resumed direct flights to Marrakech in August 2026, while Israir restarted its service in early September 2026, initially with one weekly flight and plans to increase to three in November.
Separately, Arkia had announced the cancellation of several flights to Japan scheduled for late October and early November due to issues with operating leased aircraft with foreign crews, which Japanese authorities had not yet permitted.
