Department of Foreign Affairs arranges charter flight following flight suspensions in Morocco

Arising from the suspension of flights to and from Morocco earlier this week until at least 13 December, the Department of Foreign Affairs has made arrangements to charter an aircraft to depart from Marrakech on Saturday 4 December for those seeking to return to Ireland.

Many citizens who have found themselves in this position have already made contact with the Embassy of Ireland in Rabat. Those who have not yet done so yet, should immediately send an email to the Embassy at RabatEmbassy@dfa.ie who will provide further instructions on how to book a place on this flight.

Minister Coveney said:

"As regular commercial flights from Morocco are not available at present, I have instructed officials to make arrangements for those who wish to return to Ireland as soon as possible. Ambassador McIntyre and his team at the recently opened Embassy in Rabat will continue to support citizens in the coming days to ensure a safe journey home. Their important work in supporting our citizens underlines the value of establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Morocco.

"I would like to thank Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the Moroccan authorities for their assistance and co-operation in granting the necessary authorisations to operate this special flight.

"We are continuing to provide consular assistance Irish citizens elsewhere in the world who have been impacted by travel restrictions."

The flight will be operated on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs by Ryanair.

Those considering travel over the coming weeks are urged to note that restrictions are subject to change at short notice, and that all passengers should undertake proper research and carefully consider the necessity of their travel at this time. It is also important to check with your travel insurance provider on coverage before travel and to check travel advice for your destination at Travel Advice - Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.ie).

Notes

Ireland’s newest diplomatic mission, the Embassy of Ireland in Morocco began its work in Rabat, on 11 October 2021. The new Mission forms part of Global Ireland 2025, a wider initiative to double Ireland’s global footprint, including in north-Africa.

The advice to those Irish citizens in other regions affected by travel restrictions remains to seek commercial means to return to Ireland, where available, and to maintain contact with their airline or travel agent. Chartered flights to repatriate stranded citizens are generally only considered where commercial options are not available.

For those in other countries affected by travel restrictions, contact details for Irish diplomatic missions are available at www.dfa.ie/embassies.

Concerned Irish citizens should also register at https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/

Up to date guidance on inbound travel restrictions to Ireland can be found at the following link: gov.ie - New rules for travelling to Ireland (www.gov.ie)