Rabat – Spanish ferry operator Armas Trasmediterránea has set out an ambitious transport plan ahead of Operation Marhaba 2026.
The plan consists of more than two million seats expected across routes that link Morocco and Spain during the summer return season.
Each year, Marhaba marks a moment of reunion, as Moroccans based abroad make their way home. This seasonal movement places intense pressure on maritime links across the Strait of Gibraltar.
In response, the company has opted for a broader offer in frequency and capacity to ease travel conditions during the peak period from mid-June to mid-September.
Read also: Operation Marhaba: Over 4 Million Moroccans Return Home for Summer Holidays
This deployment will cover the main crossings between southern Spain and northern Morocco.
Ships will operate from Port of Algerciras, Port of Motril, and Port of Almeria toward Tanger Med Port, Port of Nador, and Port of Al Hoceima, all are routes that carry the bulk of summer passenger traffic.
Armas Trasmediterránea’s commercial director Óscar Martínez said the preparation rests on detailed planning, with an emphasis on reliability and passenger comfort.
He pointed to an expected rise in traffic compared to last year, a trend that aligns with steady growth in cross-border mobility between Morocco and Europe.
The company will increase the number of crossings and expand vehicle capacity, a crucial detail for families who travel with their cars, and will also reinforce its teams on the ground and at sea to manage the anticipated flow under better conditions.
The operation depends on close coordination between maritime operators and public authorities.
Armas Trasmediterránea confirmed ongoing cooperation with port officials, security services, and civil protection teams on both sides of the Mediterranean to ensure that the crossings unfold without disruption.
Marhaba is one of the largest annual transit operations in the region. Maritime companies, during this period, carry more passengers than the usual seasons.