Moroccan airline cancels World Cup flights ahead of France match

Royal Air Maroc had been set to run 30 additional fan flights to Qatar for Wednesday's game

Argentina's players celebrate at the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semi-final match between Argentina and Croatia. AFP

Argentina's supporters celebrate. AFP

Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, and Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrate after scoring. AP

Croatia's midfielder #10 Luka Modric and Croatia's defender #06 Dejan Lovren react after losing 3-0. AFP

Croatia's midfielder #10 Luka Modric attempts a shot at goal as Argentina's defender #19 Nicolas Otamendi and Argentina's midfielder #20 Alexis Mac Allister try to block him. AFP

Argentina supporters wear t-shirts displaying portraits of Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi (L) and late football legend Diego Maradona. AFP

Croatia's Luka Modric in action with Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister. Reuters

Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their second goal with Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina as Croatia's Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Livakovic and Borna Sosa look dejected. Reuters

Argentina's Julian Alvarez scores his side's second goal passing Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. AP

Argentina's Nicolas Tagliafico is sent tumbling by Croatia's Mario Pasalic. Getty Images

Argentina fans support two of the team's best players: Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. Getty Images

The scramble to capture Messi's moment. AFP

The stage is set for fireworks at Lusail Stadium. Getty Images

Supporters of Argentina, one wearing a mask of the nation's late footballing great Diego Maradona, are in loud spirits in the stadium. AFP

Luka Modric is Croatia's captain, playmaker and talisman. AFP

Lusail Stadium hosts the tournament's first semi-final. Getty Images

Kick-off is at 10pm (11pm UAE). Getty Images

Morocco's midfielder Hakim Ziyech faces France on Wednesday. AFP

France's Kylian Mbappe was quiet during France's win over England. He'll be hoping to rediscover his scintillating tournament form against Morocco on Wednesday. EPA

Croatia fans are at Souq Waqif, Doha, ahead of kick-off. EPA

They are in Qatar to watch their side take on Argentina in the first semi-final. EPA

Morocco supporters are also in good spirits ahead of their side's match on Wednesday. AP

Argentina fans have been enjoying barbecues outside their accommodation in Barwa Barahat Al Janoub. Reuters

The Doha Corniche. Reuters

Dromedaries have been a regular sight throughout the city during the World Cup. Reuters

The 'Al Hilm' is the official match ball that will be used in the semi-finals and final. AFP

Morocco coach Walid Regragui is two wins away from completing the greatest World Cup moment in Arab history. Reuters

Morocco's national airline has cancelled all flights it had scheduled for Wednesday to carry fans to Doha for the World Cup semi-final.

Royal Air Maroc cited what it said was a decision by Qatari authorities, Reuters reported.

“Following the latest restrictions imposed by the Qatari authorities, Royal Air Maroc regrets to inform customers of the cancellation of their flights operated by Qatar Airways,” the airline said.

The Qatari government's international media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Royal Air Maroc had said on Tuesday that it had “scheduled 30 flights operated by wide-body aircraft for Tuesday and Wednesday”, for Wednesday night's match against France.

On Tuesday, a source at a Royal Air Maroc travel agency said only 14 flights had been scheduled.

The airline also said that supporters who took Royal Air Maroc flights to Doha would be able to change their return date without any cost or penalty.

Morocco are guaranteed another game after the semi-final — either the final on Sunday or the third-place play-off on Saturday.

The cancellation of Wednesday's scheduled flights — said to be seven services — means fans who had already booked match tickets and hotel rooms have been unable to travel.

Royal Air Maroc said it would reimburse air tickets.

Officials from Royal Air Maroc and flight operator Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to requests for comment.