Foreign news
Air Algérie Begins Direct Flights to Nigeria, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Joel Ajayi
Air Algérie has officially launched its first direct flight from Algiers to Abuja, marking a significant milestone in Algeria–Nigeria relations.
The inaugural flight departed from Algiers International Airport and landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where it was warmly received by Algerian and Nigerian government officials in a festive ceremony.
This new route is part of Air Algérie’s broader efforts to expand its international network and deepen strategic cooperation across Africa. The airline will now operate two weekly flights between Algiers and Abuja, a move expected to facilitate greater business, diplomatic, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Air Algérie is the national flag carrier of Algeria, established in 1962. It operates as a public economic joint-stock company, with a mission to connect Algeria to Africa, Europe, and selected destinations in Asia and the Americas.
Headquartered in Algiers, the airline provides scheduled international services to more than 47 destinations across 30 countries, including in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
Domestically, Air Algérie serves 33 airports across Algeria, ensuring connectivity throughout the country.
The airline is equipped with significant human and material resources, boasting a fleet of 55 aircraft, supported by 539 pilots, 1,227 cabin crew, 607 maintenance personnel, and 42 operational units.
Air Algérie also maintains a vast commercial network. Its services are distributed through a comprehensive sales system that includes:90 branches within Algeria, 32 branches abroad, 10 general sales agents, 90 airport service points, 6,400 IATA-accredited travel agents through GDS.
Air Algérie remains committed to strengthening regional and international connectivity.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mezoued Hosineb, described the route as a vital step in further cementing the strong ties between Algeria and Nigeria.
“This historic route is more than just a flight path; it is a symbol of our shared values, mutual respect, and the unwavering commitment of our leaders to build a model partnership for Africa.”
“With this direct flight, Algiers is now just under five hours from Abuja a testament to the vision and cooperation of both our nations.”
He highlighted that the bilateral relationship, nurtured over more than two decades, has already led to major initiatives such as the Trans-Saharan pipeline and other infrastructure projects. Both Algeria and Nigeria, he noted, are open-market economies committed to reform and regional integration.
The Ambassador expressed deep gratitude to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and other key stakeholders for their support in making the route a reality.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Air Algérie’s representatives in Nigeria.
Representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the economic benefits of the new route.
“This direct flight opens a myriad of opportunities for trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria. Our business communities now have a faster and more efficient way to connect.”
“Beyond business, this connection will foster deeper collaboration in tourism, culture, education, and research.”
Dr. Kana also praised Air Algérie’s commitment to making the long-awaited dream a reality and urged the airline to maintain high standards of passenger care.
“We expect top-notch service and zero tolerance for the mistreatment of Nigerian passengers. The Ministry stands ready to support Air Algérie in its operations,” he added.
Dr. Kana encouraged Air Algérie to expand beyond Abuja and include other key Nigerian cities in its flight schedule.
“We hope to soon see your aircraft land in Lagos and Kano. Let this be the beginning of an even stronger aviation and economic bridge between our countries.”
As Air Algérie touches down on Nigerian soil, it not only marks a logistical achievement but also opens a new chapter in Africa’s quest for greater intra-continental connectivity.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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