Algeria’s Air Traffic to Grow 50% as New Fleet Expands
Algeria’s aviation sector is set for rapid expansion with the national carrier Air Algérie acquiring 15 new planes, projected to boost air traffic by 50% as market liberalization looms.
The Algerian air transport sector is poised for major transformation, with passenger traffic expected to rise 50% in the coming years. The announcement was made by Minister of Transport Youcef Chorfa.
As Africa’s largest country and a key gateway to Europe, Algeria is working to close a long-running gap in its aviation capacity. To date, the sector has been dominated by the state-run Air Algérie. However, the government now plans to open the market to competition—especially as numerous foreign carriers already operate in Algerian skies under reciprocal agreements.
With clear growth potential clearly in sight, Algerian authorities have placed aviation development at the top of the agenda. In response, the state has authorized Air Algérie to expand its fleet by acquiring 15 new aircraft. Purchase agreements have been signed with Airbus and Boeing. At present, plans for opening the market to private carriers remain on hold.
The new fleet additions are expected to deliver a considerable boost to Algerian air traffic, with Minister Chorfa forecasting a 50% traffic increase thanks to the arrival of these 15 new planes. Today, Air Algérie operates 56 aircraft; the ambition is to rank among Africa’s leading carriers.
In parallel, official sources have confirmed plans to launch new routes to multiple African destinations, aiming to position Algeria as a regional aviation hub. The country is also seeking to meet rising demand from the Algerian diaspora—especially in France and across Europe—who have called for expanded summer vacation schedules and additional international services. Travelers are asking for new direct flights to and from Algeria, particularly during peak holiday periods.
A new e-Visa for Algeria on the horizon?
Algeria is preparing to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) system to make travel to the country easier and more attractive. Prime Minister Aïmene Benabderrahmane confirmed that the service will launch in the near future. The current visa process remains slow and administrative hurdles can deter visitors, so the shift to digital processing aligns Algeria with peers such as Morocco, Kenya, and Tanzania, all of which already offer e-Visas.
The country’s largely undiscovered tourism potential stretches from sweeping Saharan desert landscapes and historic desert oases to vibrant Mediterranean cities. In fact, Algeria’s landmass is 84% Sahara—the world’s largest desert—yet it also features the Hoggar mountain range, rising to nearly 3,000 meters in the south, alongside jewels like the Djanet oasis in the country’s far southeast. The capital, Algiers, blends culture and dynamism with landmarks such as the Jardin d’Essai and the famed Casbah, a UNESCO-listed historic heart.
