Spain will officially launch Operation Marhaba 2026 on Monday, the annual transit operation facilitating the return of Moroccans living abroad, amid expectations of record-breaking passenger and vehicle traffic during this summer's travel season.
Spanish authorities estimate that more than 3.5 million passengers and 850,000 vehicles will cross between Europe and North Africa between June 15 and September 15, representing an increase of nearly 3 percent compared to last year.
The operation is considered one of the largest seasonal migration and transport movements between Europe and Africa, requiring extensive logistical coordination on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar.
To prepare for the expected surge in traffic, Madrid has activated an exceptional operational plan involving more than 31,000 personnel drawn from security forces, emergency services, transport authorities, and logistical support teams.
The plan also includes enhanced coordination between ports, traffic management agencies, and civil protection services to ensure the smooth flow of passengers and vehicles throughout the summer period.
Pedro Fernández, the Spanish government's delegate in Andalusia, said Andalusian ports will once again handle the vast majority of crossings due to the strategic importance of the ports of Algeciras, Tarifa, Almería, Málaga, and Motril.
According to Spanish authorities, these ports accounted for more than 96 percent of all passengers and vehicles participating in the operation during the previous edition.
Spain is also relying this year on advanced technological systems capable of monitoring traffic flows, weather conditions, and congestion levels in real time, allowing authorities to intervene quickly and prevent bottlenecks during peak travel periods.
Officials believe the deployment of these digital monitoring tools will help improve traffic management and reduce waiting times at major ports and transit points.
Spanish authorities have urged travelers to book their ferry tickets in advance and closely follow official guidance before heading to ports, in order to avoid overcrowding and facilitate a smoother travel experience.
Operation Marhaba serves as a crucial annual mechanism for millions of Moroccans residing across Europe who travel to Morocco each summer to spend holidays with their families.
The launch of the operation on the Spanish side comes after Morocco began implementing its own preparations to receive members of the Moroccan diaspora, including measures aimed at facilitating entry procedures and improving reception services.
The annual operation reflects the close coordination between Rabat and Madrid in managing one of the world's largest seasonal cross-border movements, as both countries prepare to accommodate millions of Moroccan travelers during the summer holiday season.
