Operation Marhaba: Kayouh Details the Reception Arrangements
The 2026 edition of Operation Marhaba, dedicated to welcoming Moroccans Living Abroad (MREs), was officially launched yesterday following Royal Instructions.
The operation is being coordinated by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, which has mobilized the necessary logistical resources to ensure the smooth reception of millions of Moroccans returning home for the summer season.
Last year, more than four million Moroccans returned to the Kingdom for their summer holidays, representing an 11% increase compared with the previous year. This year’s edition, supported by a strengthened operational framework, relies on a network of 26 reception centers in Morocco and abroad, ensuring close assistance at the main transit points used by Moroccans residing overseas.
The day before the launch, the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, was questioned by members of Parliament during an oral question session at the House of Councillors regarding arrangements for welcoming MREs. The minister emphasized that Operation Marhaba is a major annual event held under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI. As such, it requires the full mobilization of all stakeholders to ensure smooth, safe, and satisfactory transit and travel conditions.
Rising Ticket Prices
Regarding air and maritime transport fares, the minister recalled that prices are liberalized and governed by free-market competition as well as supply-and-demand dynamics.
The rise in international fuel prices remains one of the main factors directly affecting the operating costs of airlines and shipping companies, and consequently the fares charged to travelers.
Ticket prices generally increase during peak travel periods, when demand rises sharply.
In response, the ministry has taken several measures. These include expanding transport capacity, closely monitoring fare trends and service quality, coordinating with all relevant stakeholders, and encouraging airlines and shipping companies to adopt a responsible approach during the annual return of Moroccans living abroad.
Expanding Transport Capacity
In the aviation sector, 58 airlines have been authorized to operate during the 2026 summer season.
Together, they will provide 2,403 scheduled flights per week, connecting Morocco to 160 international airports across 61 countries.
This represents a 55.12% increase in weekly flights compared with the 2025 summer season. According to the minister, this significant increase reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Morocco’s air connectivity and expanding travel options, particularly for Moroccans living abroad, during the peak summer travel season.
The maritime component of the operation has also been reinforced. A fleet of 29 vessels operated by seven shipping companies will provide more than 500 weekly crossings, offering a maximum transport capacity of approximately 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles throughout the operation.
M.C.
