une nouvelle réalisation qui renforce les liens de l’Algérie avec sa dimension africaine
Summary of the Launch of the Algeria-Abuja Air Route
The recent inauguration of the Algeria-Abuja air route has been positively received by passengers, marking a significant step in Algeria’s plan to establish the Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers as a regional aviation hub for Africa and the Mediterranean. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Algeria’s ties within the African continent.
The inaugural flight took place on a Boeing 737-600 and is scheduled to operate weekly, departing from Algiers every Sunday and returning from Abuja every Friday. The launch event was attended by notable figures, including the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Transport, Djamel Eddine Abdelghani Dridi, the Nigerian Chargé d’Affaires in Algeria, Abdussalam Alwan Habu, and Air Algeria’s Commercial Director, Hosnia Kaoua. This flight brought together passengers from various African countries, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for Algeria’s new direction.
Passengers expressed their satisfaction with the new service. For instance, Mohamed, a Nigerian student returning from Turkey, praised the warm hospitality he experienced at the airport and found the ticket prices affordable, comparing them favorably against competitors. Similarly, Ketan, a Gambian student traveling to Abuja for medical treatment, reported a smooth experience on the flight and commended the Algerian staff’s efforts to make the journey enjoyable. Business travelers and pilgrims also benefited from the new route; Baghchi, an Indian businessman returning to Nigeria from Umrah (a pilgrimage to Mecca), accentuated the accessibility and affordability of the flight while noting that he wished for more opportunity to explore Algiers during layovers.
Moussa, an elderly Nigerian returning from the same pilgrimage, expressed joy over the reduced travel time back home. Previously, travel from Algiers to Nigeria required transit through Paris, resulting in lengthy travel times. However, the new direct flight route cuts this down to just 4 hours and 25 minutes.
The establishment of the Algeria-Abuja route aligns with Algeria’s ambitious goal of transforming its airport into a regional transit center that connects Africa with Europe and the Middle East, as well as facilitating intra-African travel. Air Algeria is also expanding its fleet, aiming to acquire 16 new aircraft to support this strategic expansion.
The importance of this new flight was underlined by M. Lakhdar Daoud, the Director of Aviation Security at the National Establishment for Air Navigation, who emphasized the high volume of traffic expected, given that Abuja serves as a regional hub similar to Algiers. The flight will facilitate north-south and south-north traffic, enhancing connectivity between the two regions.
Upon landing at Abuja International Airport, the interest from Nigerians was palpable, with a significant welcoming delegation and extensive media coverage present. The Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Houcine Mezoued, stated that this initiative is part of the implementation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives, reinforcing Algeria’s commitment to its African identity and enhancing air connections with other African nations.
Secretary-General Djamel Eddine Abdelghani Dridi termed the launch a natural culmination of aviation cooperation agreements between Algeria and Nigeria spanning several decades. He emphasized the potential for easier travel for Nigerians residing in Algeria and announced plans to increase the frequency of flights on this route in the future.
Abubakar Kana, the Nigerian Secretary Permanent of the Ministry of Aviation and Airspace Development, remarked on the geographical advantages of Algeria, noting that the new route would facilitate travel not just within Africa, but also to Europe and the Middle East for Nigerians. He expressed optimism that this initiative would lead to lower ticket prices while enhancing the quality of services offered to travelers between the two countries.
Overall, the Algeria-Abuja air route stands as a milestone in fostering closer ties between Algeria and Nigeria, enhancing regional connectivity, and promoting economic and cultural exchange among African nations. The successful launch has set the stage for further collaboration and development within the African aviation landscape.
