Morocco airline cancels some World Cup fans flights to Qatar, citing restrictions

Morocco's national airline said it was cancelling some flights it had scheduled for Wednesday to carry fans to Doha for the World Cup semi-final, citing what it said was a decision by Qatari authorities.

"Following the latest restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform customers of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways," the airline said in an emailed statement, according to Reuters.

The Qatari government's international media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The New Arab could not verify the reports but has contacted Qatari aviation authorities for comment.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) had previously said it would lay on 30 additional flights to help fans get to Qatar for Wednesday night's semi-final game against France, but on Tuesday a source at a RAM travel agency cited by Reuters said only 14 flights had been scheduled.

The cancellation of Wednesday's seven scheduled flights means RAM was only able to fly the seven flights on Tuesday, leaving fans who had already booked match tickets or hotel rooms unable to travel.

RAM said it would reimburse air tickets and apologised to customers.

The cancelled flights impact "2,100 passengers", a separate source, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP, adding that 23 other flights operated by RAM are still planned.

The RAM spokesperson did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

(Reuters, AFP)