Algeria Allocates 10 Billion Dinar to Enhance Airport Safety and Security: Determined to Become a Key Transit Hub
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In line with the goal of establishing Algeria as an international transit center, the Algerian government is focusing on strengthening security at airports and improving services for passengers.
Minister of Transport, Habib Zahana, announced yesterday from Tipaza, during a national meeting dedicated to evaluating air transport activity, the allocation of a budget of 10 billion dinars to enhance safety and security at airports and improve services for travelers.
The 10 billion dinars provided by the Ministry of Transport are part of the larger project to develop an international hub. The aim is to make Algeria “an international transit center and a link between African countries and the world, by raising the level of airport security to international standards.”
With this funding, Algerian airports will be equipped with thermal camera surveillance systems and modern scanners compliant with international standards, especially in detecting explosives. National and international tenders will be launched promptly for the acquisition of these equipment.
Modernizing Facilities and Equipment
Plans also include strengthening and digitizing video surveillance systems at airports. Projects involve the rehabilitation of the outer walls and patrol circuits within airport premises, as well as the construction and refurbishment of water supply networks, sewers, wells, water reservoirs, and firefighting systems at airports.
To make Algeria an attractive hub, the Ministry of Transport plans to initiate expansion works at several airport facilities across the country, including Tamanrasset and Tébessa, and the redevelopment of Bordj Badji-Mokhtar Airport.
Minister Zahana emphasized, “The rapid development in air transport requires the extension of certain airport structures.”
Additionally, the minister discussed the expansion of Air Algérie’s fleet. Starting from 2025, the national airline will begin receiving the fifteen aircraft it purchased from Boeing and Airbus.
Moreover, the Minister stressed the need to “improve the quality of services provided to citizens at airports.” He noted “numerous deficiencies in the operation and management of certain facilities,” citing “a lack of coordination between airport management structures, airlines, and other stakeholders at airports.” These shortcomings have a negative impact on passenger services.
Focus on Good Management
The Minister has issued instructions to address these issues by adopting certain standards, such as “reducing the processing time for departing flights, reducing baggage delivery time for arriving passengers, and improving orientation and information at the airport, as well as providing seating, prayer rooms, and facilities for persons with special needs, and restrooms, along with revising the price threshold for consumer products applied at airports.”
Airport expansion projects must be launched and completed within the specified timelines. In another context, the Minister of Transport urged sector officials to focus on staff training.
The role of the National Civil Aviation Agency was also emphasized by the Minister. It must act as a coordinator with various stakeholders in the aviation sector, ensuring the implementation of Algeria’s commitments both nationally and internationally.
Rigorous airport management is also required, with the Minister stressing the need to work towards improving the financial situation of air transport establishments by generalizing the use of information and communication technologies in various air transport activities, including ticket reservation, airport check-in, passenger baggage handling, and information dissemination.
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