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On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Morocco’s national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) announced the cancellation of several flights to and from the Middle East, following the closure of multiple airspaces across the region. The decision comes amid a major military escalation: the United States and Israel launched a large-scale joint offensive against Iran earlier that morning, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile strikes against Israel and American military bases throughout the Gulf.
Background: An Unprecedented Military Escalation in the Middle East
In the early hours of Saturday, February 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli armed forces launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran. The operation was codenamed “Epic Fury” on the American side and “Roaring Lion” by Israel. Strikes targeted dozens of military, nuclear, and government sites across the country, including locations in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Tabriz, Karaj, and Kermanshah.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation in a video posted on Truth Social, stating that American forces were conducting “major combat operations in Iran.” He called on the Iranian people to “seize power,” and pledged to “destroy Iran’s missiles” and “wipe out” the Islamic Republic’s naval forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the strikes by citing what he described as an “existential threat” posed by the Iranian regime. Israel declared a 48-hour national state of emergency and immediately closed its airspace to civilian traffic.
Iran’s Red Crescent reported over 200 deaths, with more than 20 of the country’s 31 provinces affected by the strikes. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as against U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.
Royal Air Maroc: Flight Cancellations and Real-Time Monitoring
In response to the military escalation and the closure of key regional airspaces, Royal Air Maroc issued an official statement to inform passengers of ongoing disruptions.
The airline specified that all decisions are being made “in strict compliance with aviation safety and security standards,” and warned that additional flights may be cancelled depending on how the situation develops on the ground.
Confirmed affected routes so far include:
- Doha (Qatar): The Casablanca–Doha flight scheduled for Saturday, February 28 was cancelled, along with the return Doha–Casablanca service.
- Dubai (UAE): The Casablanca–Dubai overnight flight, scheduled from Saturday into Sunday, was also scrapped.
- Further Middle East destinations may be impacted in the coming hours.
RAM confirmed that its operational teams are monitoring the situation around the clock, working to keep passengers informed as quickly as possible and adjusting the flight schedule in line with decisions made by the relevant air navigation authorities.
What to Do if Your Royal Air Maroc Flight Is Cancelled
Royal Air Maroc is advising all affected passengers to take the following steps:
- Check your flight status before heading to the airport.
- Update your contact details (phone number and email address) through the “Manage My Booking” section on the official website www.royalairmaroc.com to receive real-time notifications.
- Contact your point of sale or RAM’s customer service center to explore available options, including free rebooking or a full refund.
Widespread Disruption Across Global Aviation
Royal Air Maroc is far from alone in grounding its Middle East routes. Numerous major European, Asian, and African carriers have suspended services to key regional capitals. An Emirates flight bound for Dubai was forced to turn back mid-journey as it approached its destination, due to the sweeping airspace restrictions now in place.
Iranian airspace is completely closed. Israel’s airspace was shut to civilian aviation the moment the first strikes were announced. Gulf states, now targeted by Iranian retaliatory fire, have also imposed varying levels of flight restrictions across their own territories.
Morocco’s Official Position on the Conflict
Morocco officially condemned “in the strongest terms” the Iranian missile attacks against several Arab states, according to a statement released on the afternoon of February 28, 2026.
King Mohammed VI also held a series of phone calls with regional heads of state to express the Kingdom’s solidarity, including with the President of the United Arab Emirates, the King of Bahrain, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and the Emir of Qatar.
Key Advice for Travelers Departing from Moroccan Airports
Passengers with upcoming flights to the Middle East are strongly urged to:
- Monitor official communications from Royal Air Maroc via its website and social media channels (@royalairmaroc on X).
- Do not travel to the airport without first confirming your flight status.
- Contact your travel agency or RAM’s customer service for any questions regarding rebooking or refunds.
The situation remains fluid and fast-moving. Morocco Airport will continue to track all aviation developments related to this conflict and provide updates in real time.
