Air Algérie, the national airline of Algeria, has launched its first direct flight from Algiers to Abuja. The milestone, stemming from a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Algeria, aims to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The flights, operated using a Boeing 737-600 aircraft, will run twice-weekly, departing Algiers on Sundays with a return from Abuja on Fridays, including an extension to Douala in Cameroon, leveraging the fifth freedom of the air. This allows Air Algérie to offer round-trip tickets between Douala and Abuja, enhancing regional connectivity.
The inaugural flight carried significant figures, including the Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, Nigerian community leaders in Algeria, and Algerian government representatives. It landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 4:07pm WAT hrs on April 6, 2025, where the airline delegation was received by the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, and Nigerian officials.
Ambassador Mezoued emphasized the flight’s role in bringing the two nations closer, noting that Algiers is now less than five hours from Abuja, a significant reduction from the previous seven-hour journey with layovers. He highlighted the potential for increased economic opportunities, stating, “Our business communities will no longer have any reason not to come to Nigeria or Algeria to do business and investments.”
The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has pledged full support for the route’s success. Minister Festus Keyamo, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, emphasized the economic benefits, saying, “This flag opens the way to strengthen exchanges in tourism and culture, giving new impetus to human and inter-university exchanges.”
The ministry also urged Air Algérie to maintain high service standards, with Ambassador Mezoued adding, “We do not want to hear cases of disgrace or maltreatment of Nigerian passengers.”
Air Algérie’s CEO, Hamza Benhamouda, expressed optimism about the route’s impact, noting its potential to boost economic activities between the two countries. The airline’s Head of Commercial Division, Hosnia Kaouah, revealed that the African market represents 200,000 annual passengers, positioning Algiers as a competitive transit hub for West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
This aligns with Air Algérie’s broader expansion strategy, as Abuja became its 25th African destination, with plans to launch flights to Addis Ababa, Libreville, and N’Djamena, as well as new routes to Europe, North America, and China. The airline reported a 76% increase in passenger traffic to African destinations, from 100,000 in 2014 to 179,000 in 2024.
The route’s strategic importance extends beyond Nigeria and Algeria. Its proximity to Europe makes it a convenient gateway for Nigerians, offering affordable fares and enhancing Nigeria’s role as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted Air Algérie a Foreign Carrier Operating Permit (FCOP) on March 25, 2025, following discussions between NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Najomo and Ambassador Mezoued, ensuring regulatory support for the operation.
This development also builds on over two decades of economic partnership between Nigeria and Algeria, including projects like the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. The Nigerian government encourages citizens and businesses to utilize this new connectivity to explore trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, advancing deeper collaboration and mutual growth between the two nations.
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
