Recently, the Moroccan Civil Aviation Authority announced that international flights operated by Royal Air Maroc from and to Morocco would be canceled in both directions beginning December 9th and through to December 31st. To ensure that stranded Moroccan nationals can get home, Royal Air Maroc has arranged for a series of repatriation flights from Dubai, Istanbul, and Lisbon. Let’s take a look at what’s available.

The Boeing 787-9 will be deployed on Royal Air Maroc’s longer repatriation missions, such as service to Dubai. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Flights will be banned

In an effort to slow the spread of the new and even more contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19, Moroccan Authorities have restricted commercial air travel in and out of the country. Indeed, travel bans began as early as November 26th, with restrictions tightening further in recent weeks.

In fact, authorities have ruled that even special flights to Morocco will not be allowed from December 23rd, 2021, potentially exacerbating the tense situation for Moroccan nationals and residents stranded outside the country’s borders.

“We recommend our customers to arrange their return before this date,” Royal Air Maroc states on its website. “In this context, new flights are scheduled before December 23rd, 2021, from Dubai, Istanbul, and Lisbon to the five cities of the Kingdom: Casablanca, Agadir, Fez, Marrakech, and Tangier.”

Shorter repatriation services such as those from Lisbon will utilize the airline’s Boeing 737s. Photo: Getty Images

Repatriation flight schedule

Particularly for those affected by this situation, let’s take a look at the schedule of these flights.

Lisbon to Morocco

Flight NO. AT2981 to Casablanca on December 16th.Flight NO. AT2965 to Fez on December 17th.Flight NO. AT2959 to Tangier on December 17th.Flight NO. AT2967 to Marrakech on December 18th.Flight NO. AT2973 to Agadir on December 18th.Flight NO. AT2981 to Casablanca on December 18th.Flight NO. AT2959 to Tangier on December 19th.Flight AT2967 to Marrakech on December 19th.Flight NO. AT2965 to Fez on December 19th.Flight NO. AT2973 to Agadir on December 19th.Flight NO. AT2981 to Casablanca on December 22nd.

Istanbul to Morocco

Flight NO. AT2911 to Casablanca on December 16th.Flight NO. AT2937 to Tangier on December 17th.Flight NO. AT2911 to Casablanca on December 17th.Flight NO. AT2925 to Marrakech on December 18th.Flight NO. AT2911 to Casablanca on December 22nd.

Dubai to Morocco

Flight NO. AT2245 to Fez on December 18th.Flight NO. AT2245 to Agadir on December 19th.

Below you can see the routes visualized:

Repatriation flights from Dubai will only go to two cities in Morocco. Photo: GCMap.com

Flights to three Moroccan cities will operate from Istanbul. Photo: GCMap.com

Lisbon repatriation flights will offer the most diversity in repatriation destination. Photo: GCMap.com

The fine print

There are a number of essential things to note with regards to these repatriation services. According to Royal Air Maroc:Flights are not free, and thus tickets must be purchased through the airline and are subject to availability.Flight schedules are subject to change based on the constantly-changing COVID-19 situation.Repatriation flights to Morocco during the period of suspension period are for Moroccan citizens stranded outside the country.Regardless of the country they are coming from, affected travelers holding Royal Air Maroc tickets are invited to contact agencies or the RAM call center in order to change their tickets.Conditions of eligibility to board repatriation flights to Morocco are as follows:>Moroccan citizen, residing in Morocco, having left Morocco since October 1st, 2021, as well as their spouses and children accompanying them.The presentation, at check-in, of an ID card or passport with a Moroccan address.Presentation, at check-in, of a negative PCR test less than 48 hours,

Morocco World News adds that travelers are required to undergo a seven-day quarantine upon arrival. This will take place in designated hotels. Fortunately for travelers, hotel charges will be paid by the Moroccan government.

Have you been affected by Morocco’s travel bans? Let us know by leaving a comment.

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