Marrakech Airport

When the redevelopment is complete the external vista of this airport will be staggering. It suggests a far grander scale than it has on the inside. The check ins did suffer problems when we were there. Staffing not a problem and the small lounge we used had a range of alcoholic drinks for a short stay and local nibbles.

In mid-december 2007 the new building was nearly complete and looks great. Was good to have police outside the building only allowing travellers in to the airport thus stopping the haggling typically received everywhere else in the country. Queues were short and customs quick. As stated by others Dirhams are not accepted in the terminal shops though we even had success shopping with Pounds!

A small terminal undergoing refurbishment which will be good when its finished. Cleaner than any terminal I have flown from in the UK toilets were spotless which was commented on by my fellow passengers. There were quite long lines at immigration but they went down quickly. I was also surprised you could not spend your remaining local currency at Duty free. Cafe's were fairly priced and accepted local currency.

There is a lounge for Business class passengers - it's the Royal Air Maroc one airside - BA passengers can use it. Not much there - free booze and the foulest soft drinks I've ever encountered but comfortable. The airport in general is OK and would be a lot better if Immigration/Emigration had machines that read your passport rather than having to type in information but delays are nowhere near as bad as say Dubai. Note you can't buy things with Moroccan currency airside - all prices are in Euros. The new Terminal will open in 2008.

Terminal 1 was fine and with only two other flights due to leave around the time of our departure we found it pleasant and welcoming. What a joy to see just two happy policemen sat outside in the sun and within the terminal none of the stresses to be found nowadays in European airports.

Marrakech airport at the one and only time we used it was undergoing an upgrade. There was no business lounge for passengers flying business or first class and no provisions for these passengers. We were told by the staff at the duty free shop that we could purchase alcohol from them and take it into Europe as they would put it in a clear plastic bag and that would be okay at Madrid. It wasn't and our 2 bottles were seized. We were not impressed.

If you are on a morning flight out of RAK to Europe allow plenty of time. On the 11th April there were long queues for each of the check in desks and not enough space in the hall so the queues wound around each other. Then the Thomsonfly flight to Manchester was re-allocated in the space of 15 minutes to 4 different check in desks causing chaos all round. Add a huge queue going through the same hall to get to customs and security and you have a recipe for creaming adults let alone children. I see there is going to be a new terminal - that cannot open too soon.

A decent and clean small sized airport but the lack of a great amount of seating provides good opportunity after checking in to wait outside in the sunshine before crossing through to immigration. The shopping there isn't worth mentioning and the small amount of food available isn't cheap but it was an easy and stress-free departure. On the day I travelled they also announce the flights quite early. For some reason everyone then lines up at the gate and stands in the queue for 40 minutes before actually boarding despite the fact that everyone has assigned seats! Further if you're looking for something to do see if you can find Gate 4 which has mysteriously disappeared from the terminal.

Arrival 17 November pm Atlas Blue. Immigration lines did not take too long and luggage appeared quickly. Currency exchanges visible at immigration exit - controlled taxi fares clearly posted outside. Departure 24 November. Atlas Blue check in lines moved quickly. Adequate and reasonably priced snack bar. No problems at all. Aiport is simple and fine and pleasant to use.

Very important point for departing passengers. The duty free does not accept Moroccan currency (can you believe such a thing!). You must use euros or credit cards. Amex cards are charged in dollars. Makes sure you use your local currency before you get to the airport as money cannot be changed back and is worthless outside Morocco.