Morocco Extends Flight Ban, Leaving Thousands of Nationals Stranded Abroad

Morocco closed its airspace on November 29 for two weeks, thus trapping thousands of foreigners on its territory and preventing many of its nationals abroad from returning to the country. The latter are overwhelmed by the situation, especially after the extension of the measure until December 31. Omar, 30, was supposed to join Casablanca on December 4 last, after nine years of pharmacy studies in Spain. He had bought his ticket two months ago, but he is stuck in Seville, reports TV5 Monde.

To read: Morocco Launches Special Flights to Repatriate Citizens Stranded Abroad

On December 13, Morocco authorized Moroccans stranded abroad to return from Portugal, Turkey or the United Arab Emirates. "This operation (...) concerns exclusively Moroccan citizens who actually reside in Morocco and who have recently left the national territory," the Anti-Covid Monitoring Committee said in a statement.

To read: Thousands of Moroccans Stranded as Nation Closes Borders Over Omicron Fears

Omar contacted the consulate to explain his situation. Without success. He also called Royal Air Maroc without being able to get satisfaction. "I’m trying to minimize my expenses, but I don’t know how many days I’ll last. My parents were sending me money transfers through the bank, but I no longer have any proof that I’m a student, because I’ve finished my studies, the bank is therefore blocking all transfers," he explains.

To read: Morocco to Repatriate Citizens Stranded Abroad After Omicron Border Closure

Malika, her husband and their 6-year-old daughter, left Casablanca for Paris on November 21. Their return flight was scheduled for December 10. With the suspension of flights, they are stuck in the French capital. "My daughter is in school in Morocco, she is missing her CP classes, and it’s an important year. We are at a loss," she says. The number of new cases has increased by 50% in one week in Morocco, warns the Moroccan Ministry of Health, stressing that "the risk of a resurgence of the epidemic is very likely". This leaves uncertainty about the resumption of flights after December 31.