Arkia Halts New Ticket Sales for Marrakech Amid Israeli Security Directive

Israeli carrier Arkia Israel Airlines announced on a Wednesday that it is suspending the sale of new tickets for its Tel Aviv-Marrakech route “until further notice.” The suspension follows a directive from Israel’s Internal Security Service (Shabak) and aligns with similar actions taken by Israeli airlines El Al and Israir earlier in the month.

Israeli Airlines Suspend Flights to Morocco at Request of the 'Shabak'

The security directive stems from the September 30 incident aboard a flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Israel, during which the co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers and crew intervened, and the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli authorities responded by reviewing and tightening aviation security procedures for flights to and from Israel, prompting airlines to reassess routes that may be affected by the new requirements.

YnetNewsIsraeli Airlines Suspend Flights to Morocco at Request of the 'Shabak' GlobesNew EL AL, Air Canada and Israir Routes Expand Access to Israel

• September 30 – Flydubai incident triggers heightened security scrutiny.

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• Early October 2026 – Israir announces a suspension of ticket sales for its Marrakech service.

Israeli Airlines Suspend Flights to Morocco at Request of the 'Shabak'

• Mid-October 2026 – Arkia issues its suspension of new ticket sales for the same route.

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(Exact dates for the Arkia announcement are not specified in the source material.)

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• Three Israeli carriers—Arkia, El Al, and Israir—have halted new ticket sales to Marrakech.

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• Arkia resumed direct Marrakech flights in August 2026, but the future of the service is now uncertain.

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• The airline has not cancelled any flights for which tickets were already sold, and it has not disclosed whether refunds or itinerary changes will be offered.

Israeli Airlines Suspend Flights to Morocco at Request of the 'Shabak'

The airline also noted that, should Israeli authorities decide to prohibit Israeli carriers from serving Marrakech, it would explore alternatives such as operating the route through commercial partners or using leased aircraft. The Internal Security Service (Shabak) is identified as the agency that requested the suspension.

Israeli Airlines Suspend Flights to Morocco at Request of the 'Shabak'

• “The company is in contact with the relevant authorities and security officials, exploring the possibility of continuing to operate the route, as well as the implications for tickets that have already been sold,” — Iceland. Arkia

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Israeli security officials have not set a specific date for a final decision on the Marrakech route. Arkia indicated that it will continue discussions with the authorities and will consider “alternative options” if a permanent ban is imposed. Travelers with existing bookings have been left without clear guidance on whether their flights will operate as scheduled.

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