An Arkia aircraft landed on Sunday at the airport in Errachidia, Morocco, as part of a private wholesale charter flight. Since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, Israeli airlines have not been flying to Morocco due to a security ban imposed by the Shin Bet and the Transportation Ministry.
Despite the suspension of regular service, Morocco has remained a popular destination for Israelis, who, throughout the war period, have continued to be allowed to enter and travel freely in the country.
A review with Arkia found that, despite the ban, the airline has periodically operated special flights to Morocco since October 2023, after receiving one-time approvals as required. In addition to the flight that landed on Sunday, another Arkia aircraft landed in Morocco on Thursday.
The recent flights were operated in connection with the annual pilgrimage marking the yahrzeit of Rabbi Yitzchak Abuchatzerah, who is buried in the town of Toulal in the region. Alongside the celebrants who arrived on Arkia’s flight, thousands of Israelis reached the event via other routes.
The Transportation Ministry has not yet responded to questions about why a blanket approval has not been granted to resume regular flights to Morocco.