BY: Dr. Hana Saada
With a bold commercial strategy, fleet expansion, and a strategic geographic advantage, Algeria’s national airline aims to become the leading air transport carrier across the African continent.
Algiers, Algeria | April 11th, 2025 — In a decisive and forward-looking move, Air Algérie has reaffirmed its ambition to emerge as a continental leader in African air transport, according to Hamza Benhamouda, CEO of the national airline. In a recent interview with Afrik.com, Benhamouda emphasized that the airline’s aggressive commercial policy—particularly in terms of competitive pricing and baggage allowances for African and European destinations—has already begun to yield tangible results.
“Air Algérie is implementing an offensive commercial approach, striking a balance between quality and price,” said Benhamouda. “Our fare structure and baggage policies are designed to attract a broader clientele. We offer competitive prices and significantly reduced connection times from Algiers, enabling us to compete effectively with direct flights between African capitals and Europe.”
This strategic pivot has translated into a 34% increase in passenger traffic between 2019 and 2024, a growth trajectory that the airline aims to sustain as it aspires to assert its presence as a dominant pan-African carrier. Benhamouda stressed that Air Algérie is determined to capitalize on the immense growth potential of the African aviation sector, positioning itself as a key player in its development and integration.
At the heart of this strategy is the strategic geographic location of Algiers, a natural crossroads linking Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. This positioning, Benhamouda explained, provides a unique opportunity to develop Algiers International Airport into a fully functional continental hub. “The airport is already structured as a hub,” he said, “but its future hinges on expanding Air Algérie’s international network—a goal that requires a larger and more modern fleet to meet the rising demand.”
To support this vision, the airline has embarked on an ambitious fleet renewal and expansion program, which includes the acquisition of 16 new aircraft. The first of these aircraft is expected to be delivered in June 2025, according to the Minister of Transport, Saïd Sayoud.
