Canada announced on Saturday to suspend all direct commercial and private passenger flights from Morocco after seeing an increase in positive COVID-19 results among travelers.
The measure will take effect on August 29 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until September 29 at 12 a.m., Transport Canada said in a statement.
“Restricting flights from countries of concern is part of Canada’s overall approach to responsible and effective management of Canada’s border reopening plan,” it explains.
Goods transport operations, medical transfers and military flights are not affected by this measure.
Flights that are already en route to Canada from Morocco will be able to land, but travelers will need to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.
Travelers who attempt to circumvent these regulations by opting for an indirect flight to Canada will have to undergo a molecular screening test before leaving a third country, the federal agency said.
“Passengers departing from Morocco to Canada via an indirect route will need to take a valid COVID-19 test before leaving a third country (other than Morocco) to continue their journey to Canada ».
Royal air Maroc authorizes ticket changes following the suspension of flights from Morocco to Canada. “To accompany all our passengers during this period, ticket changes will be allowed, free of charge and without charge, until December 15, 2021, to the same destination or another,” said the airline. Thus, the reimbursement of tickets to Canada will be in the form of a credit note or in cash at the initial point of sale, says RAM.