Starting today (Thursday, June 13), the Directorate General of Civil Protection is putting in place the arrangements for Operation Strait Crossing (OPE) 2024, according to EFE. The aim of this operation is to manage the massive flow of Moroccan citizens returning to their country of origin during July and August via Spain. Last year, 3,219,618 passengers and 775,410 vehicles used this route thanks to this effective strategy. This year's scheme, which will run until September 15, is expected to increase the number of vehicles by more than 6% on the previous year, to almost 820,000, and the number of passengers by 4%, to 3.3 million. Those in charge of the operation believe this upward trend will continue, reflecting the steady increase in summer travel. The OPE mobilizes various Spanish government bodies, including port authorities, the Directorate General of the Merchant Navy and the Directorate General of Public Health. A special vessel fleet plan and provincial coordination plans are also in place to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and passenger safety. The critical dates identified for this operation are June 14 to 16, August 1 to 5 and August 30 to September 1. On these days, special measures such as ticket interchangeability will be put in place to speed up boarding. The Directorate General of Civil Protection recommends that travellers plan their journeys carefully and arrive at the port with confirmed tickets, in order to facilitate the service offered by the shipping companies.
