UK airlines including easyjet, Ryanair, BA, TUI and Whizz Air have been forced to cancel flights to Morocco after the country suspended travel to and from the UK.

The UK's current average infection rate stands at 445.5 per 100,000 people compared to just 10.4 in the North African destination which is popular with British holidaymakers.

The flight suspension came into effect from midnight last night (October 20) and the Foreign Office has also updated its travel advice to reflect the changes.

READ MORE: Latest foreign office advice for the USA, Mexico and Canada

Morocca has also suspended flights to and from the Netherlands and Germany as a precaution amid growing Covid-19 concerns.

EasyJet cancelled two flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Marrakech on Wednesday, but said will operate flights in the opposite direction to bring passengers back to the UK before the ban comes into force.

A spokesperson said: “We are still awaiting clarity from the Moroccan authorities as to whether we are permitted to operate repatriation flights beyond midnight today.”

British Airways cancelled flights between Heathrow and Marrakech, which were due to resume on Thursday after being suspended due to the pandemic.

A statement by TUI said: "The Moroccan Government has notified us of a change in regulation that affects flights from the UK to Morocco from 21 October.

"As a result, we have unfortunately had to cancel flights to Marrakech and Agadir up to and including 31 October 2021.

"We are contacting customers in departure date order to discuss their options, which include amending to another destination or a full refund.

"We are working through the details of this announcement with the Moroccan authorities and will be updating customers currently on holiday in the next 24 hours.

"We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this time."

Ryanair and WhizzAir have been contacted for comment.

Flights between the UK and Morocco have been suspended
Flights between the UK and Morocco have been suspended

The flight ban will affect families in England and Wales who booked half-term holidays in Morocco for next week.

Morocco’s National Office of Airports said the policy will remain in place “until further notice”.

Zina Bencheikh, managing director EMEA at tour operator Intrepid Travel, said: “This is disappointing for the travel industry but particularly devastating for local people in Morocco who rely on tourism for their livelihood.

“The UK and Germany are among the most important markets for Morocco. After 18 months with virtually no visitors, tourism was slowly beginning to rebound and this announcement will be yet another setback.”

In a separate update for Morocco, the FCDO advised that, from October 21, vaccine passes will be required to enter public places in Morocco, including hotels, restaurants and shops.

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