Deprived of direct flights to Morocco, they must travel hundreds of kilometers across France

The disappearance of direct flights between Clermont-Ferrand and Morocco has disrupted travel for Moroccans living in central France. To reach Fès or another city in the Kingdom, travelers must now drive to a distant airport or accept a connecting flight.

The route to Fès, launched by Ryanair in November 2022, offered two weekly rotations. It eventually became a regular option for families, tourists, and people working between France and Morocco.

On Bladi.net : Ryanair ends the Clermont-Ferrand - Fès route

Ryanair nevertheless completely left Clermont-Ferrand Airport in March 2026, also canceling its flights to London and Porto. The airline notably cited the increase in taxes applied to air transport in France.

Faced with this situation, Nadine and her husband launched a petition calling for the restoration of a direct route to Morocco. The petition had surpassed 1,000 signatures by August 11, according to testimony collected by Radio Scoop. Clermont-area elected officials were also contacted.

The organizers of the campaign claim that the two weekly flights had a load factor close to 90%. This figure was not officially published by Ryanair, but it fuels the confusion among former passengers over the disappearance of a route they considered very busy.

A family goes from four trips a year to just one

For Nadine’s family, the cancellation of the flight had an immediate consequence. Whereas she used to travel to Morocco up to four times a year to see her relatives, she now plans only one trip this year, made by boat.

Travelers must now reach Lyon or Toulouse to catch a flight. Others choose to travel as far as Sète or cross part of Spain before boarding for Morocco. These options considerably lengthen the journey and increase expenses, particularly for families with children and elderly people.

The petitioners hope that another airline will take over the route. They cite the example of Porto: after being canceled following Ryanair’s departure, this destination gradually regained a connection from Clermont-Ferrand thanks to the arrival of a new operator.

On Bladi.net : Ryanair Cuts Flights in France After Tax Hike, Morocco Routes Affected

For Moroccans in Auvergne, the issue therefore goes beyond simple convenience. The flight to Fès provided a direct link with their families and allowed them to avoid several hours on the road. In the absence of a replacement, a two-hour flight has turned into a long, costly, and sometimes discouraging journey.