Flight disruptions in Morocco: Over 40 cancellations due to Iberian power outage

Frequent flight delays at Morocco’s major airports have raised concerns among travelers in recent months. The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has stepped in to clarify the situation, citing factors beyond the airlines' control.

During a recent address to the House of Councillors, Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh detailed that delays in cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Rabat, Fez, Oujda, and Nador primarily stem from issues at departure airports. Often, these disruptions are attributed to technical difficulties or unforeseen emergencies.

A notable incident occurred when a widespread power outage in Spain and Portugal resulted in the cancellation of over 40 flights to and from those countries. Kayouh emphasized that efforts are now focused on rescheduling the affected routes and restoring normal service.

To mitigate the risk of similar situations causing bottlenecks for passengers, the ministry has proposed several solutions. Currently, a new runway is under construction, and airport procedures are under thorough review.

This initiative aims to facilitate quicker movement through terminals, particularly for travelers with connecting flights. The ministry is working to streamline administrative processes and reduce wait times at passport control and security checks.

This push for reform aligns with Morocco's ambitious “Aéroports 2030” plan, which aims to double airport capacity from 40 million to 80 million passengers annually. Seven major airports are slated for expansion, preparing the nation to accommodate large crowds during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.

Kayouh acknowledged that delays are an inherent part of air travel but assured that authorities are proactive when disruptions exceed acceptable limits. The ministry remains committed to enhancing the passenger experience.

As international travel rebounds, Morocco is positioning itself as a regional hub, viewing airport reform as an essential measure rather than an optional enhancement.