Whilst trying to get any info on possible new direct flights to Fez I came across this short film with Simon Calder made by BA and the Independent Traveller. It's handy little peek at what's in store for those considering a visit to Fez (albeit presented by a rather enthusistic Mr Calder), and a reminder of what we're missing over here during the long British winter.
And the bit about only 3 hours direct from the UK? Hah!
We've spent the last two years searching for a house and renovating it, so that we, and our friends, plus a few guests, could enjoy the unique charm of Fez... only to be scuppered by the fickle budget airlines.
Since our house has been properly habitable, cover over the halqa (hole in the roof), curtains, kitchen, cushions, all that - there's no direct flights to Fez from the UK. GB Airways are still flying until 29 March although nobody seems to be able to make a booking, and when Easyjet take over the route is to be axed.
Marrakesh is heavily served from the UK and apparently the big orange bird is flying to Casablanca and Tangiers later in the year. At present both of these cities are a good 4-5 hours train ride to Fez and Marrakesh is 8-9 hours. We've done that journey with one child, doing it with three would require sedation... us, not them.
If things stay the same, then perhaps Fez will retain some exclusivity and maintain it's character... although only as far as British visitors are concerned. There are regular European flights from Frankfurt, Paris, Girona, Marseilles and Lyon.
So, all you bilingual Europeans, here's a fine place to stay just a short stroll from the Bab Boujloud in the midst of the medina action, yet untoubled by passing traffic and pedestrians.
And here's some more pictures from December.
I was about to do a post about the (lack of) direct flights from London to Fez, when I noticed the inactive-of-late blog, The View From Fez, had the same idea.
Ryanair has cancelled (hopefully temporarily) their service from London-Luton as of last November. GB Airways (currently part of British Airways but soon to be owned by Easyjet) are flying to Fez until 29 March 2008, although it seems Easyjet have no plans to continue this route when they take over.
The View From Fez mentions the Royal Air Maroc service which costs around £200.
I have been looking at getting to Fez with the family at Easter and found the cheapest and quickest way would still be Ryanair from London-Stansted to Barcelona (Girona), and then on to Fez, again on Ryanair. Depending on your travelling dates, this can be done with a short 2-4 hour stop in Girona.
Considering the usual two stage trip with Royal Air Maroc from London-Heathrow via Casablanca to Fez, the Ryanair option seems good value as the prices can be around £120 per person. There is also another Ryanair option of taking the London-Stansted/Frankfurt/Fez route, although this has a slightly longer travel time and flight from Fez to Frankfurt arrive late at arounf 11pm so a hotel would be needed for overnight.
Lets hope direct flights are resumed after the end of March. If anyone has information regarding this , please get in touch.
