Algiers’ Airport Inaugurates National-International Transit Gateway, Establishing Itself as a Major Connection Hub
BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, July 16, 2023 – In a momentous event yesterday, the Minister of Transport, Youcef Chorfa, unveiled a connection gateway linking the West Terminal to Terminal 1 of Algiers Houari Boumediene airport. This national-international transit gateway marks a significant milestone in transforming Algiers’ airport into a thriving international hub, facilitating seamless travel for passengers transiting through Algeria’s capital city.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent figures in the aviation industry, including Yacine Benslimane, the Managing Director of Air Algérie, and Mohammed Salah Kouache, the Chairman and Managing Director of Algiers airport.
Minister Chorfa highlighted the strategic importance of this new gateway, asserting that Algiers’ airport will now serve as an international hub, specifically connecting countries across Africa and Asia. He also emphasized that the national airline, Air Algérie, has already initiated flights to African capitals, such as Niamey, Abidjan, and Dakar, with plans to expand further in the future. “Algiers airport will become a hub airport in the Mediterranean basin,” the minister stressed.
Yacine Benslimane, CEO of Air Algérie, expressed his delight at the launch of the second phase of the Algiers’ hub, building upon the successful implementation of the international transit phase in December. He underscored the convenience brought about by this connection gateway, stating that passengers traveling between different wilayas (regions) of Algeria and heading to foreign countries, or vice versa, will no longer need to check in their luggage a second time upon arriving at Algiers airport. “The gateway will allow them to transit directly, eliminating the need for double registration,” he explained.
Moreover, Benslimane revealed that the third phase of this transformative project, focusing on air freight, is set to be launched in the near future, further enhancing Algiers airport’s role as a comprehensive transit center.
Ultimately, the successful implementation of this new national-international transit gateway aims to bolster air connectivity and position Algeria as a vital transit zone, connecting the African continent with Europe and Asia. This achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of Algiers airport, solidifying its status as a key player in the global aviation industry.
With this latest expansion, Algiers airport is ready to welcome transit passengers with improved efficiency and convenience, ensuring a seamless travel experience and further propelling Algeria’s connectivity on the international stage.
