Over 40 Morocco Flights Canceled as Iberian Power Outage Disrupts Air Travel
Rabat – Frequent flight delays at Morocco's major airports have sparked concern among travelers in recent months.
The Ministry of Transport and Logistics has stepped in to explain the situation, pointing to factors beyond the control of airlines.
Speaking before the House of Councillors on Tuesday, Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said delays recorded in cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Rabat, Fez, Oujda, and Nador stemmed largely from problems at departure airports. In many cases, the root causes were technical disruptions or unforeseen emergencies.
One of the more significant setbacks came recently, when a widespread power outage in Spain and Portugal disrupted air traffic. Over 40 flights to and from those countries were canceled, Kayouh said, noting that priority has since shifted toward rescheduling the affected routes and restoring normal service.
To prevent similar scenarios from creating a bottleneck for passengers, the ministry has put several solutions on the table. A new runway is currently under construction, and airport procedures are under review.
Kayouh said the goal is to help travelers move more quickly through terminals, particularly those catching connecting flights. The ministry wants to simplify administrative formalities and reduce the time spent at passport control and security checks.
This push for reform fits into a broader plan Morocco calls 'Aéroports 2030.' The project lays out an ambitious goal: double the country's airport capacity from 40 million to 80 million passengers each year.
Seven major airports are set for expansion as part of this expansion, preparing Morocco to welcome large crowds during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the country will co-host.
Kayouh acknowledged that setbacks are part of air travel, but said authorities act quickly when delays go beyond acceptable limits. The ministry insists it remains focused on improving passenger experience.
As international travel continues to rebound and Morocco positions itself as a regional hub, the government sees airport reform not as an option but as a necessity. Tags: electricity blackoutMorocco airportsMorocco flightsSpain blackout
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