Air fares in Morocco: The hidden secrets of Ryanair’s attractive offers

Attractive prices, but at what price? This is the question many travelers to Morocco are asking as they discover Ryanair’s initially attractive prices for domestic flights. Beneath the surface of low prices lies a series of additional fees that can significantly increase the total cost of the trip.

According to reports, the base fares announced by Ryanair only take into account the plane ticket itself, not including checked baggage. Travelers are warned that exceeding the permitted dimensions for carry-on baggage may result in additional charges or even denial of boarding.

But that’s not all. By adding a single piece of checked baggage weighing up to 10 kilograms, travelers can expect to pay around 200 dirhams more, while fees can go up to 300 dirhams for bags weighing 20 kilograms.

However, the real shock can come when travelers discover they have exceeded the allowed weight or height limits. In these cases, additional fees can reach up to 700 dirhams, or worse, travelers may be forced to leave items behind to comply with restrictions.

Interestingly, Ryanair’s strict baggage policy is one of the company’s main sources of revenue. Extra fees for baggage, seat choices and other services are a key aspect of the airline’s business strategy, which may partly explain the seemingly low base fares.

In response to concerns from Moroccan authorities, the Ministry of Equipment and Transport recently granted Ryanair temporary authorization to operate domestic flights in Morocco, pending the company’s compliance with its obligations. The move comes after restrictions were put in place regarding purchasing tickets only with Moroccan international bank cards in foreign currency.

The Ministry of Tourism also expressed concern over financial transactions related to Ryanair and its subsidiaries, stating that the company is actively working to resolve these issues. However, it is important to note that “no financial support or financial assistance has been given to Ryanair to operate domestic flights in Morocco”, a claim that has been maintained from the beginning and remains unchanged.