Travel consultants said the return of Israeli airlines to Morocco is significant news for the tourism industry, and that the re-entry of a second carrier on the route restores competition, which will bring down airfares.

The presence of the American tanker aircraft had occupied valuable parking positions, prompting concerns about the airport's ability to handle the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the peak summer travel season.

Domestic tourism also continued to be a stabilizing force, with more than 13 million overnight stays by Israelis recorded in hotels nationwide by the end of the third quarter.

The initiative follows nearly two years of high fares during the Gaza war, when Israeli airlines made record profits and were accused of price gouging as international competitors repeatedly suspended service to the Jewish state.