Monday, September 11, 2023
The recent catastrophic earthquake in Morocco has raised concerns for travellers, especially those planning to visit the popular destination of Marrakech. With the death toll rising and thousands of US and British tourists in the area, are stranded and race to leave the country.
Marrakech Airport operations
Marrakech airport is still open and operational. Several UK airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, and Tui, have continued to operate flights to and from Marrakech following the earthquake. In fact, some carriers have deployed larger aircraft to accommodate passengers who wish to return home early.
Options for British travellers
Currently, there are no plans for an airlift to evacuate tourists from the area. Travellers are advised to follow their original travel plans unless they perceive potential danger. It’s crucial to contact your travel company first to inquire about early departure arrangements. Travel insurance will typically come into play only if there is a genuine threat to safety.
Cancellations and travel advice
While many travellers may be reluctant to vacation in a region experiencing a humanitarian crisis, there are no clear grounds for canceling without penalty at this time. The UK Foreign Office has not issued a travel warning against visiting the region, and all Moroccan airports are open and operational. Travelers planning imminent trips are encouraged to check with their accommodation providers and tour operators to confirm arrangements in case of any disruption or damage caused by the earthquake.
Presumption of normalcy
The presumption is that most holidays will proceed as planned. However, there may be exceptions for trips based at specific properties that are currently unable to receive guests due to earthquake-related damage and Atlas treks.
US Embassy advisory
The US Embassy in Rabat, Morocco’s capital, advises American citizens to avoid affected areas, as local hospitals and resources may become strained. While hospitals in Marrakech and major cities are open, they have limited capacity. Travelers are urged to follow police instructions regarding road closures or traffic disruptions.
Airline operations
British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair are offering flexibility to passengers scheduled to travel to Marrakech in the next two weeks. Passengers can change their travel dates free of charge if they wish to do so. EasyJet and Ryanair have also encouraged travelers to contact their customer service teams for further assistance.
Tour Operator’s responses
Tui, one of the major holiday companies, is closely monitoring the situation, with teams on the ground in resort locations to support customers. There has been no change in the Foreign Office’s advice, and Tui Airways flights are expected to resume on Monday, September 11. Customers traveling on Tui holidays with other airlines have been or will be contacted by Tui’s team to discuss their options.
Jet2, another prominent package holiday company, does not operate to Morocco.
Rights of Travellers
It’s important to note that it is currently too early to determine the extent of damage and disruption in the area. The US Geological Survey anticipates ongoing seismic activity with aftershocks for weeks to come. If you choose not to travel before your holiday company makes a decision, you may risk losing most or all of your money since there is no official travel warning against visiting the region.
Travel Elsewhere in Morocco
While Marrakech is the hardest-hit area, the main holiday destinations in Morocco, such as Agadir and Essaouira, are believed to be unaffected. Travellers should exercise caution, stay informed, and follow local guidance when visiting these areas.
Tags: earthquake, marrakech, morocco, travel advice
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