Morocco MREs 2026 Fewer Travelers Marhaba Operation

The first figures published by the Spanish Interior Ministry confirm an unexpected slowdown. Between June 15 and 21, the General Directorate of Civil Protection recorded the embarkation of 61,586 passengers and 17,677 vehicles. This flow represents a decrease of 7.3% for travelers and 5.6% for automobiles compared to the first week of the summer operation in 2025. Paradoxically, maritime supply proved more generous, with the number of rotations increasing by 4.4% to reach a total of 475 crossings over the same period.

On Bladi.net : Record-Breaking Marhaba 2025: Moroccan Exodus Surges as Spain-Morocco Traffic Soars

Looking at port infrastructure in detail, the overall picture is downward, although the Strait of Gibraltar remains the essential crossroads. As the historical leader, the port of Algeciras concentrates most of the traffic but suffers a severe drop of 13.1% in passenger numbers and 10.1% in vehicles. Conversely, Tarifa holds its own with a modest increase of 1.5% in passengers. On the maritime links side, the Algeciras-Tanger Med corridor dominates operations by absorbing 46.1% of the total volume of vehicles embarked, ahead of the Algeciras-Ceuta line (23.1%) and Tarifa-Tanger City (7.9%).

On Bladi.net : Marhaba Operation: Moroccan Exodus from Europe Slows as Key Ferry Route Sees 20% Drop

Should we conclude that there is a definitive decline in diaspora returns to the country? Official reports invite caution regarding this contained start. With the operation running until September 15, this initial decline could simply reflect a shift in vacation departure dates. Support teams, which have already provided 194 social interventions and 38 health aids, remain on alert. They are preparing to face the massive peaks of attendance that are traditionally expected for the end of June and the first half of July.