Arkia And Sun d'Or Relaunch Direct Routes Between Tel Aviv And Marrakech

Direct air service between Israel and Morocco is officially back online, marking the return of Israeli travelers to the North African nation after a nearly three-year suspension of direct routes. Following the halt of flights in October 2023, airlines are now reviving connections to Marrakech to meet growing demand for heritage and leisure tourism.

Arkia and Sun d'Or Lead the Resumption

The push to restore air links began in August 2026 when Israeli carrier Arkia relaunched its direct route between Ben Gurion Airport and Marrakech. Operating twice a week with Airbus A320 aircraft, Arkia's return was the first step in re-establishing the popular travel corridor.

Following suit, El Al's subsidiary Sun d'Or announced it will begin direct flights to Marrakech starting November 16, 2026. Here are the details on the upcoming Sun d'Or service:

• Flight Schedule: Sun d'Or will operate twice-weekly flights on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Introductory Fares: Launch prices start at $599 for a round-trip "Lite" ticket, which includes a carry-on bag and personal item.
• Fleet Expansion: Israir has also joined the resurgence, operating flights to Marrakech as carriers ramp up winter schedules.

Surging Demand for Heritage and "Roots" Tours

Prior to the route suspensions, Morocco welcomed up to 200,000 Israeli tourists annually. The current travel revival is strongly driven by organized tours, particularly heritage and "roots" trips for Israelis of Moroccan descent. Travelers are exploring historic Jewish quarters, cemeteries, and synagogues, while benefiting from an increase in accessible kosher dining options across major cities.

Travel Advisories and Security

Despite the high demand, Israel's National Security Council maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Morocco, recommending increased caution in northern and central regions and advising against non-essential travel to the south. However, travel industry experts emphasize that the primary tourist routes remain secure, with local authorities heavily involved in ensuring visitor safety. Travelers are advised to book direct flights and maintain comprehensive travel insurance.

As flight capacity increases through the winter season, Morocco is once again positioning itself as a premier destination for travelers seeking deep cultural and historical connections.