Algeria's air transport sector is on the verge of a major transformation, with a projected air traffic growth of 50%. This announcement was made by the Minister of Transport, Youcef Chorfa.
Algeria, Africa's largest country and a major gateway to Europe, is seeking to catch up in the air transport sector. Until now, air traffic has been monopolized by the state via the national airline Air Algérie. However, the market is expected to open up to competition, especially as many foreign airlines serve Algerian skies on a reciprocal basis.
Recognizing the growth potential of the air transport sector, the Algerian authorities have recently focused their efforts on its development. With this in mind, the government has authorized Air Algérie to strengthen its fleet by acquiring 15 new aircraft. Contracts for these acquisitions have been signed with the two main aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing. The opening of the Algerian market to private airlines seems to have been postponed.
The purchase of these new aircraft by Air Algérie should have a positive impact on air traffic in Algeria. The Minister of Transport declared that air traffic would experience growth of 50% thanks to the acquisition of these 15 new aircraft. Air Algérie currently has a fleet of 56 aircraft, and the aim is to position itself among the biggest airlines in Africa.
The Algerian authorities have announced the opening of a new routes to several African countrieswith the aim of making Algeria a hub for Africa in terms of air traffic. Algeria must also respond to the growing demand from the Algerian community abroad, particularly in France and other European countries, for an increase in the number of Air Algérie flights, especially during the summer vacations. Many Algerians living abroad are also calling for the opening of new international routes to and from Algeria.
And soon an electronic visa for Algeria?
Algeria plans to launch an electronic visa (e-Visa) to boost tourism in the country. The Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane has announced the creation and imminent launch of this e-Visa. The current visa is considered long to obtain and the procedures are complicated, which can discourage many travelers. Algeria would therefore like to follow the example of countries such as France, Germany and Italy. Morocco, THE Kenya and the Tanzania which have already introduced electronic visas.
Algeria has undiscovered tourism potential, with vast wilderness and desert areas, and attractive historical and tourist sites. Some examples, 84% of its territory is covered by the Saharathe world's largest desert. Algeria is also home to unique sites such as the Hoggar, a mountain range rising to almost 3,000 meters, and the Djanet oasis in the southeastern Sahara. The capital, Algiers, is a dynamic and cultural city, with sites such as the Jardin d'Essai and the famous "Casbah", the historic center of Algiers.
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