The national airline of Morocco, Royal Air Maroc, had intended to operate seven more flights before the event.
It made the choice after the Moroccan FA pledged to provide 13,000 complimentary tickets to the match against France. But on Wednesday, it claimed that the planes had been cancelled by Qatari authorities.
The airline declared in a statement to the news agency saying, “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.”
There is no explanation from the Qatari government’s central communications office as to why the airline was instructed to halt the flights.
The airline announced on Monday that it would add 30 more flights as part of “an outstanding flying schedule” to make it easier for fans to go to Qatar, later, however, associated travel companies claimed that there would only be seven more flights.
Many fans who had already purchased tickets and hotel accommodations were left without compensation due to the cancellations. The airline expressed its sincere regret and promised to compensate customers.
In the meantime, a number of Moroccan ex-pats have been moving to Qatar, drawn by the offer of complimentary tickets from the nation’s FA.
Worldwide, there are thought to be five million Moroccans, many of whom reside in France.
But as supporters gathered at the Al Janoub stadium’s fan centres, many of whom were wearing Moroccan flags and caps to shield themselves from the heat, they were incensed to find that the free tickets promised by the FA had not materialised.
The match will mark the first time an African team has advanced to this level of football’s premier tournament, despite the fact that their French opponents are widely favoured to face Argentina in the championship game.
Walid Regragui, the coach of Morocco, who was raised in Paris, claims his team is confident and doesn’t want to “wait another 40 years for an African team” to succeed on the international arena.
The africanews tweeted about the situation of the abrupt cancellation of the flights.
