Marrakech Airport

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.