BA to launch Gatwick Marrakech service

British Airways is to start flights between Gatwick and the Moroccan city of Marrakech in direct competition with budget airlines, it was announced today.

BA will begin thrice-weekly services from March 27 2011, with one-way fares starting from £79.70 including all taxes.

"BA offers a real alternative to discerning travellers to Morocco," said BA UK and Ireland sales and marketing head Richard Tams.

BA last flew to Marrakech as GB Airways. The services ceased in March 2008 when low-fare carrier easyJet took over GB Airways.

The new route was announced at the opening of World Travel Market in London today. BA also announced today a sale of Gatwick fares to European destinations, starting at £49 one-way.

The £49 one way fare includes taxes, fees and charges and is available to a number of destinations including Amsterdam, Geneva, Rome, Turin and Venice.