Air Algérie’s New Route Connects Algiers and Johannesburg, Reinforcing Bilateral Ties and Expanding International Connectivity
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, August 21, 2023 – Air Algérie, the national airline of Algeria, proudly launched its latest direct flight route, connecting Algiers with Johannesburg, South Africa. The inauguration of this crucial air link reflects Algeria’s renewed commitment to fostering deeper partnerships with African nations and propelling Algiers’ airport into a pivotal international hub. This remarkable stride towards enhanced cooperation was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency hotel, attended by distinguished representatives including Algeria’s Minister of Transport, Youcef Cherfa, Minister of Finance, Laaziz Faid, and a delegate from the South African Embassy in Algeria.
The newly established Algiers-Johannesburg route, featuring a frequency of two flights per week, was inaugurated amid a sense of profound significance. Minister of Transport Youcef Cherfa asserted that the launch underlined Algeria’ strategic pursuit of strengthened ties with African nations, reflecting a dynamic shift in the nation’s approach. The aspiration to transform Algiers airport into an international hub for global travelers was also highlighted as a key objective, promoting accessibility and connectivity.
Present at the ceremony were not only Algerian dignitaries but also a representative from the South African Embassy in Algeria. This presence underscored the bilateral nature of the new air route, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the Algerian-South African partnership. Minister Cherfa highlighted the value this route would add to Algeria’s overarching strategy of fostering relationships with countries across the African continent.
In his address, Minister Cherfa highlighted that the Algiers-Johannesburg route was an extension of Air Algérie’s expanding network of connections to African capitals. He mentioned routes to Dakar (Senegal), Niamey (Niger), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Bamako (Mali), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), and Nouakchott (Mauritania), each designed to bolster regional engagement. Further augmenting Air Algérie’s growing global presence, the minister revealed plans for forthcoming routes to Douala (Cameroon), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Abuja (Nigeria), and even Caracas (Venezuela) in the Latin American continent.
Yacine Benslimane, CEO of Air Algérie, highlighted that the Algiers-Johannesburg route represented the airline’ seventh connection to an African country and its 45th worldwide. Benslimane emphasized the airline’s participation in the BRICS summit held in South Africa, which aligned seamlessly with the launch of the new route. He revealed that Air Algérie would actively engage with fellow economic stakeholders from Africa during this summit, further underscoring the route’s economic and strategic significance.
Minister of Finance Laaziz Faid drew attention to the synchronicity of the Algiers-Johannesburg route launch with the BRICS summit, set to be hosted by South Africa. Faid emphasized the importance of multilateralism in reforming international governance and took this opportunity to reaffirm the historical bonds shared by Algeria and South Africa. As he prepares to represent the Algerian President at the BRICS summit, Faid expressed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between these two nations.
The launch of the Algiers-Johannesburg direct flight serves as a testament to Algeria’s growing prominence as a regional and global player. It signals the country’s determination to foster collaboration, enhance connectivity, and deepen relationships on the African continent and beyond. This milestone stands as a vivid example of the power of aviation to unite nations, cultures, and economies, propelling the Algerian-South African partnership towards a prosperous and interconnected future.
