Morocco Revokes Hot Air Balloon Licenses in Marrakech Over Safety Violations

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics is taking action against two tourism agencies organizing leisure hot air balloon rides in Marrakech, accusing them of operating hot air balloons without legal authorization, as well as failing to respect the maximum altitude specified in the specifications. These serious violations compromise the safety of air navigation in the sky of the Red City, known for its dense and sustained air traffic. The licenses of these two agencies have been permanently revoked, reports Hespress. The justice system, now seized of the case, will open a thorough investigation into the infractions attributed to them. Other companies, having committed infractions deemed less serious, have been suspended for a period of six months. However, the ministry did not specify the exact nature of these infractions.

Furthermore, the Civil Aviation Directorate under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is working towards strict regulation of hot air balloon activities in the outskirts of Marrakech. Minister Abdessamad Kayouh has instructed to exercise absolute rigor and show no leniency towards observed shortcomings. The Wilaya of the Marrakech-Safi region and the Royal Gendarmerie are thus entrusted with implementing strict specifications, along with rigorous compliance with its provisions.

Sources from the same media had previously confirmed that three travel agencies had their licenses revoked following a complaint filed by the captain of a flight bound for Marrakech. He stated that he had observed hot air balloons from the Rhamna region flying at high altitude, thus threatening the safety of planes heading to Marrakech-Menara airport. Two other companies have been added to the list. These five tourism companies are suspended for a period of six months.