Spanish port authorities at the Port of Algeciras have been forced to activate an exceptional transit operation described as a “mini Marhaba,” following a sharp surge in vehicles and passengers heading to Ceuta and Tangier, amid unusually heavy pressure on maritime routes between the two shores as Morocco hosts the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to Spanish media reports, the Port of Algeciras began recording intense traffic earlier than usual for the New Year period, prompting the Bay of Algeciras Port Authority to deploy a special operational plan to regulate boarding procedures and ensure the smooth and secure movement of passengers and vehicles.
The same sources said the high volume of crossings led authorities to open and equip several parking areas within the port, most notably the “Galera” zone, in addition to other reserve spaces, to accommodate the growing number of vehicles.
Human resources and logistical services were also reinforced, with an increased number of traffic control agents inside the port and a stronger presence of port police to guarantee orderly and safe transit for travelers.
Port authorities stressed that the exceptional pressure is not linked solely to the approach of the New Year and the associated holiday period, but also coincides with Morocco’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations, a factor expected to significantly boost travel flows to the Kingdom.
Large numbers of Moroccans residing in Europe are expected to travel, alongside African football fans, to attend matches involving their national teams during the AFCON tournament. Tangier stands out as one of the main destinations during this period, as it is among the host cities for the continental competition.
The northern Moroccan city is set to host matches involving three African national teams—Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Botswana—helping to explain the notable rise in passenger numbers heading specifically to Tangier, whether via ferry routes from Algeciras or from other southern Spanish ports.
Spanish port authorities also noted that some travelers opted to bring forward their travel dates in anticipation of forecasts warning of strong winds and rainfall toward the end of the week, further intensifying congestion over a short period.
In this context, the Bay of Algeciras Port Authority urged all passengers to arrive at the port with confirmed, pre-booked tickets to avoid congestion and long waiting times during peak hours, warning that heavy pressure is likely to continue through the remainder of December.
Meanwhile, several sports reports have indicated that the current AFCON edition hosted by Morocco is expected to record the highest attendance in the tournament’s history, driven by a combination of factors that encourage strong public turnout.
These reports highlight Morocco’s geographic location and proximity to Europe as a key attraction, particularly given the presence of large African diaspora communities across several European countries, making travel to the Kingdom easier and more affordable than in previous editions held farther away.
The same sources add that these communities view AFCON in Morocco as an ideal opportunity for collective travel and close support of their national teams, explaining the surge in ticket demand and expectations of packed stadiums throughout the tournament.
