December 14 – Morocco’s national airline said it was cancelling all flights it had scheduled for today to carry hundreds more fans to Doha for the eagerly awaited World Cup semi-final, citing what it said was a decision by Qatari authorities to restrict air travel.
The match against France features an African country in the last four for the first time and has gripped the entire north African region as well as areas of Europe, especially France, that are heavily populated by Moroccan residents.
But Air Maroc said scores of fans will be left disappointed.
“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,” the airline said in an emailed statement.
Royal Air Maroc had previously said it would lay on 30 additional flights to help fans get to Qatar
The cancellation of Wednesday’s seven scheduled flights leaves fans who had already booked tickets or hotel rooms unable to travel for a match that will feel like a home game for the underdogs who have conceded only once in beating powerhouses Belgium, Spain and Portugal and now take on the defending champions for a place in Sunday’s final.
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