RABAT (Reuters) – Morocco’s national airline said it had canceled all flights scheduled for Wednesday to carry fans to Doha for the World Cup semi-final match, citing what it said was a decision by the Qatari authorities.
“Following the recent restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform customers of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways,” the company said in an emailed statement.
The Qatari government’s international media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Royal Air Maroc had previously said it would organize 30 additional flights to help fans reach Qatar for Wednesday night’s semi-final match against France, but a source at a Royal Air Maroc travel agency said on Tuesday that only 14 flights had been scheduled.
The cancellation of the seven flights scheduled for Wednesday meant that RAM was only able to fly on the seven flights on Tuesday, leaving fans who had already booked match tickets or hotel rooms unable to travel.
RAM said it would pay for the airline tickets and apologized to customers.
A RAM spokesman did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
(Reported by Ahmed Al-Jashtimi). Additional reporting by Andrew Mills. Written by Angus MacDowell; Editing by Andrew Heavens
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