"They really ought to be ashamed"
Allen Hoppes (Portugal)
✅ Trip Verified | I am a tour operator. I organize itineraries and lead groups, mostly in Morocco. I recently had a group of 24 US university students and 2 staff arriving at the Tangier airport on Vueling flight VY7635 on Friday morning, 17 February, 2023. The flight was due in at 09:00 and arrived at 09:15. It took the group until 11:10, just under 2 hours, to get through the immigration process. I was waiting for them in the arrivals area. I had phone contact with the staff. They told me there were 3 agents working, when there is room for more to work. People waiting were getting so frustrated that they were applauding sarcastically whenever a person got through. As soon as my group was together in arrivals, I welcomed them to Morocco and immediately apologized for the miserable welcome they had received. I had to change the morning's itinerary and drop an activity. I was back in the aiport a few days later to see the group off and I had time before my own departure, so I sought out the airport manager who directed me to fill in a suggestions/complaints form--it was obvious he was not interested in hearing from me. I told him anyway. I have also sent a complaint to ONDA, the national airports authority in Morocco, and they have responded saying just about nothing. Morocco wants tourists and the money they bring, but they treat visitors to a first impression of incompetence, indifference and a lack of respect. Marrakech airport used to have people wait for up to an hour for immigration clearance and they got better. I hope Tangier airport can improve, too. They really ought to be ashamed.
Experience At Airport | Arrival and Departure |
Date Visit | February 2023 |
Type Of Traveller | Business |
Queuing Times | 12345 |
Terminal Cleanliness | 12345 |
Terminal Seating | 12345 |
Terminal Signs | 12345 |
Food Beverages | 12345 |
Airport Shopping | 12345 |
Airport Staff | 12345 |
Recommended | no |