Spanish Tourists Stranded in Morocco as Country Closes Airspace Over Omicron Fears

– byPrince@Bladi · 2 min read
Spanish Tourists Stranded in Morocco as Country Closes Airspace Over Omicron Fears

Seven Spaniards are stuck in Morocco, which on Monday and for two weeks closed its airspace to fight the spread of the new Omicron variant. Arrived in Tetouan on November 27 for a few days of vacation, their return flight was scheduled for November 30.

Stuck in Morocco, the seven Spaniards, from Alicante, went to the Spanish consulate to find a solution to their situation. "The only thing they told us was to get in touch with the airline," laments Francisca Soler. They also made efforts with the Spanish embassy. Without success. The seven workers ended up joining the WhatsApp groups of Spaniards blocked in Tetouan to be informed of any measures taken for their repatriation.

To read: El Al Schedules Special Flights to Rescue Israelis Stranded in Morocco

The company they work for, FGV, contacted the consulate to try to unblock the situation and negotiate their return to Spain. "We are essential personnel, as four of the people in the group are machinists. It is therefore urgent that we return to our posts," said Teresa Ramón, another member of the group, welcoming the proactive attitude of the company.

To read: France Repatriates Over 20,000 Nationals from Morocco Amid Flight Suspension

Finally, the consulate was able to find them seats on a special flight. "We paid 324 euros for tickets that normally cost 120, but there are people who have spent 600 euros, without being sure they can travel, since there is also a market for fake tickets," complains another. The group of employees should board this Thursday on a flight from Casablanca to Murcia.

"We could have returned to Spain via Ceuta, but the borders are also closed. It’s so sad," regrets Teresa Ramón, who deplores the very short time between the announcement of the measure to suspend flights and its implementation.