Rabat - A total of 42 airlines will resume international flights in Morocco on June 15, including four new ones.

Adel El Fakir, the director-general of Morocco’s National Tourist Office (ONMT), announced the news on Monday, saying that the airlines will serve 43 countries.

The airlines include four new ones, including Two Russian carriers (S7 Airlines and Aeroflot).

The other two new airlines are an Israeli company and an African firm.

The ONMT chief announced the mobilization of 3.5 million air seats, or nearly three quarters of the capacity offered during the same period in 2019.

“The office’s action is never as strong as when it is carried by partners and professionals,” El Fakir said.

He added that ONMT is “totally ready and mobilized for the restart.”

The ONMT official also called on all partners to work together for a strong revival in the air travel sector.

In April, the Moroccan Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts (DEPF) announced a 65% decline in Morocco’s tourism revenue in January and February, compared to a 14.9% increase recorded during the same period in 2020.

The DEPF said that COVID-19 crisis caused an 81% decrease in tourist arrivals.

Earlier in June, Morocco announced its decision to resume international flights from and to the country under special conditions.

On June 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the flights will be carried out under exceptional permission given that the country’s airspace is still closed.

The ministry also emphasized the positive indicators of Morocco’s epidemiological situation, including a decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases.

The resumption of flights is also part of the Moroccan government’s plan to welcome Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) during this year’s summer vacation.

Late last week, King Mohammed VI instructed all transportation companies in Morocco to charge affordable prices for MREs wishing to travel to Morocco this summer.

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