A third Israeli airline has changed its plans for flights to Marrakech following instructions from Israeli security authorities. Sun d'Or, a subsidiary of the El Al Group, announced Thursday that it was postponing the launch of its route to the Moroccan city, originally scheduled for November 16, and canceling all planned flights through December 15.
The announcement comes a day after Arkia suspended ticket sales to Marrakech and nine days after Israir announced a similar move. Unlike Arkia, which has not yet canceled flights for which tickets have already been sold, Sun d'Or is offering affected passengers a full refund, a travel voucher or the option to change destinations at no additional cost.
According to Sun d'Or, passengers whose flights have been canceled can choose from three options: a full refund, a credit voucher for future travel or a transfer to another El Al or Sun d'Or destination in Europe. Passengers who choose to change destinations will not have to pay additional charges, including fare differences or airport taxes, provided the new flight departs within three days before or after the original departure date, subject to availability.
The airline stressed that it is still working to obtain the necessary approvals to operate the route. "We remain in continuous contact with security officials and the relevant authorities to obtain the approvals required to operate the route and will provide updates accordingly," El Al said in a statement.
It remains unclear whether flights will be able to begin after December 15.
Sun d'Or's announcement follows a series of decisions by Israeli airlines in recent days concerning flights to Marrakech. On Wednesday, Arkia announced that it was suspending ticket sales to the destination until further notice, following a directive from security authorities.
Arkia, which resumed direct flights to Marrakech in August, has not canceled flights already booked by passengers. The airline is examining options that would allow it to continue operating the route, including through its commercial partners.
Sun d'Or has gone a step further by canceling flights already booked by passengers
(Photo: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock)
Earlier, Israir announced that it was freezing plans to expand its Marrakech operations. The airline, which resumed direct flights to the destination in early September with one weekly service, had planned to increase the frequency to three flights a week beginning in November. Following the new security directives, Israir decided to suspend the expansion, halt negotiations to lease an additional aircraft and stop selling tickets to Marrakech until final instructions are issued.
The decisions come amid tighter aviation security requirements following the attempted attack aboard a Flydubai flight on September 30, when the co-pilot allegedly tried to crash the aircraft while it was en route to Israel. Following the incident, Israeli security authorities began reviewing possible changes and stricter security procedures for flights to and from the country.
While Arkia and Israir have suspended ticket sales to Marrakech, Sun d'Or has gone a step further by canceling flights already booked by passengers.