The Ministry of Transport and Logistics issued a statement on Friday concerning the foreign currency policy of Irish low-cost carrier “Ryanair,” and gave it permission to operate flights for an additional month only.
Ryanair has been selling domestic flight tickets in foreign currency exclusively, overlooking a large portion of the local market in contrary to what it committed itself to upon entering the national market.
According to the Ministry, the airline was initially authorized in November 2023 to operate 11 domestic routes connecting nine Moroccan airports for the summer of 2024. However, this authorization was contingent upon ticket sales being conducted in local currency, which is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). The company has agreed to such requirement as laid down in its letter to the Ministry dated November 29, 2023.
Despite this agreement, the tickets were only available through Moroccan international bank cards using foreign currency.
The Moroccan Transport Ministry had issued a “reminder” to Ryanair on March 29, 2024, instructing the company to “promptly comply with its commitments.”
To reduce any inconvenience to passengers who have already purchased tickets and made travel arrangements, the Ministry has permitted Ryanair to continue operating domestic flights for a month starting March 31, awaiting that it respects its contractual commitments.