In a significant development for air travel between Israel and Morocco, Sun d'Or, a subsidiary of El Al, has announced its plans to resume flights to the North African country this coming fall. This marks a pivotal moment as Sun d'Or becomes the second Israeli airline to offer direct services to Morocco, reflecting a growing trend in travel recovery following several years of regional conflicts that had led to the suspension of such routes.
Beginning November 16, the airline will operate flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakech twice a week, providing an accessible travel option with round-trip economy fares starting at $599. This announcement follows closely on the heels of rival airline Arkia, which recently restarted its flights to Morocco after a three-year hiatus due to the upheavals caused by the October 7, 2023 invasion of southern Israel by Hamas and the subsequent military conflict.
Travel advisors have emphasized the importance of this development for the tourism industry, noting that the introduction of a second airline on this route re-establishes competition, likely leading to more favorable airfare for consumers. Yoni Waxman, the Vice President of Ophir Tours in Israel, underscored the popularity of Morocco as a destination among Israeli travelers, especially for organized tours, which saw significant demand prior to the cessation of flights. He anticipates that as flight frequency increases and prices become more appealing, there will be a swift resurgence in travel demand for both independent trips and group tours.
Israel and Morocco have enjoyed covert cooperation in defense and intelligence for decades, a relationship that was formalized under the Abraham Accords in 2020. This agreement saw four Arab nations normalize relations with Israel during the first Trump administration. Notably, approximately one million Jews of Moroccan descent reside in Israel, with 200,000 Israelis visiting Morocco in 2022, many seeking to reconnect with their roots.
Mark Feldman, the CEO of Ziontours based in Jerusalem, highlighted that Israelis have traveled to Morocco long before direct flights and formal relations were established. He expressed optimism that the resumption of direct flights would attract thousands of travelers during the winter months alone. Additionally, the reintroduction of non-stop services aligns with the strategies of smaller Israeli airlines seeking alternative routes amidst intense competition from low-cost international carriers like Wizz Air, all vying for the attention of Israeli travelers.
As reported by jns.org.
