20 October, 2021

Morocco banning direct flights from UK, Germany and Netherlands

Authorities in Morocco issued notice this morning that from 23:59 tonight, it will ban direct flights from three key European cities as a result of increased coronavirus cases. 


The flight suspension is to last for an unspecified period applies to direct flights between Morocco and the UK, Germany and The Netherlands. The UK government said it was surprised by the announcement and has advised those affected by flight cancellations should contact their airline or tour operator for advice on alternative routes via third countries (eg France, Spain) where flights are still currently operating as normal.

To enter the country on an indirect flight via a third country, you will need to provide proof that you have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus COVID-19, with the second dose administered at least two weeks prior to travel, or a negative PCR test result before boarding your flight (or ferry) to Morocco. The result must show that the PCR test itself was undertaken no more than 48 hours before boarding. For travel by ferry, you will also need to take a COVID-19 test during the journey. 

Many airlines have already cancelled Morrocan bound flights for some time, easyJet confirmed it has cancelled all its outbound flights from the UK, Germany and Netherlands to Morocco until 30th November. "We are contacting all customers whose flights are cancelled with their options, which include a free of charge transfer, receiving a voucher or a refund," the budget said in a statement. 

Holiday firm and chart airline operator Tui said: "We are contacting customers in departure date order to discuss their options, which include amending to another destination or a full refund. We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time."  The tour operator currently has approximately 2,000 holidaymakers from the UK in the country and was working out what to do for their return.

Following the decision of the Moroccan authorities, Royal Air Maroc confirmed that all flights from the United Kingdom, Germany and Netherlands are suspended until further notice. It will allow passengers to change their arrangements and refund ticket under the following conditions:

- Ticket Change: unlimited changes of ticket date and destination, free of charge until December 15,2021 to the same or another destination;
- Voucher Refund: refund by nominal voucher valid 12 months from the date of its issue. The voucher is refundable in cash on the expiry date.
- Cash Refund for tickets is possible only at the same point of sale that issued the original ticket.

Morocco’s National Office of Airports confirmed the policy would remain in place “until further notice”.  Many hotel operators in the African country have expressed concern at the ban, "We welcomed European travellers back only very recently - it was much-needed business, now this will be axed, it will make it not economical to remain open - it is the end of business" one hotel owner told us. 



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