The Moroccan government is to permit repatriation flights for stranded holidaymakers after the abrupt ban on flights from the UK, Germany and the Netherlands at midnight on Wednesday.
The clampdown amid rising Covid cases in the UK forced the immediate suspension of direct services and the cancellation of autumn half-term holiday programmes to the likes of Marrakech and Agadir.
A total of 64 one-way flights between the UK and Morocco had been scheduled for next week, according to travel data and analytics expert Cirium.
This means the cancellation of more than 10,500 half-term seats by six airlines – British Airways, easyJet, Tui, Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia Maroc.
However, in updated travel advice issued last night, the Foreign Office said: “The Moroccan government are preparing to authorise airlines to provide direct flights, over the coming days, for the return of passengers to the UK.
“Travellers affected should contact their airline or tour operator for advice on their return.”
It repeated that alternative routes via third countries such as France, and Spain are operating as normal.
Tui has cancelled its programme to Morocco until at least the end of the month.