This weekend, the port of Algeciras recorded a sharp increase in the number of vehicles and passengers bound for Tangier and Ceuta. To accommodate this temporary surge, the port utilized the Llano Amarillo circuit for pre-boarding, according to Campo de Gibraltar Siglo XXI magazine. However, compared to 2023, the overall figures for this year's marhaba operation show a slight decline. Despite a slight increase on last year's figure (176,894 vs. 175,197 passengers), ferries between Algeciras and Tangier-Med saw a minor overall decline. Vehicle traffic on this route also rose slightly (5.6%), from 51,785 to 54,669. The route between Tarifa and Tangier City, conversely, experienced a decrease in passenger numbers (84,075 vs. 88,551) and a 9.8% reduction in vehicles. The crossing between Algeciras and Ceuta also witnessed a decline, with 106,237 passengers recorded compared with 113,780 in 2023. Similarly, the number of vehicles on this route saw a slight decrease (25,517 vs. 25,059). Faced with these variations, shipping companies have increased the number of rotations this weekend and until Monday, in anticipation of the large flows expected. The authorities are also taking steps to anticipate the next two weekends in July, as well as the start of the August vacations, which are predicted to be peak periods. The Directorate General for Civil Protection and Emergencies is recommending that travellers arrive with a closed ticket purchased in advance, to avoid congestion and improve the flow of boardings. The aim is to reduce waiting times and ensure more efficient management of passenger and vehicle flows during transit.
