Foreign news

Air Algérie Begins Direct Flights to Nigeria, Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Published

1 year ago

April 6, 2025

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.

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Foreign news

Court of Arbitration Declares Indus Waters Treaty Fully Operational Rejects India’s ‘Abeyance’

Published

1 month ago

August 31, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

The Court of Arbitration has unanimously reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains fully in force, ruling that India cannot unilaterally place the 1960 agreement in “abeyance” or suspend its obligations under the treaty.

The decision represents a significant legal development in the longstanding dispute between India and Pakistan over the management and use of the Indus river system.

The Court’s finding addresses a fundamental issue at the heart of the dispute: whether either party can unilaterally suspend the treaty outside the legal framework agreed by both countries.

In its unanimous determination, the Court made clear that the IWT continues to bind both India and Pakistan and that its obligations cannot be set aside through a unilateral political declaration.

The ruling means India remains subject to the treaty provisions governing the use of the Western Rivers, including requirements relating to the design and operation of hydroelectric projects, as well as the dispute-resolution mechanisms established under the agreement.

The Court has also ordered interim measures concerning the Ratle Hydroelectric Plant, restricting specified construction activities while the broader dispute remains under consideration.

The measures are aimed at preserving the effectiveness of the arbitration process and preventing developments that could prejudice the outcome of the proceedings.

For Pakistan, the decision represents significant legal validation of its longstanding position that the IWT is a binding international agreement and contains no provision allowing either party to unilaterally place it in abeyance.

Pakistan has consistently maintained that disagreements over the treaty should be addressed through the institutional mechanisms established by the agreement, rather than through unilateral action.

The IWT provides a structured framework for resolving disputes through mechanisms including the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Expert and Court of Arbitration processes.

The latest ruling therefore reinforces the principle that treaty obligations cannot simply be disregarded because of deteriorating political relations between signatories.

The significance of the decision extends beyond the India-Pakistan dispute. It underscores the broader international-law principle that agreements governing shared rivers and other transboundary resources must be respected and disputes resolved through established legal and institutional channels.

The Indus river system supports agriculture, livelihoods, food security and communities across the region, making the stability of the treaty particularly important.

The ruling also highlights the distinction between seeking to amend an international agreement through mutually agreed procedures and attempting to alter its obligations unilaterally.

The IWT has endured wars, prolonged diplomatic tensions and periods of limited bilateral engagement. Its continued operation demonstrates the importance of rules-based mechanisms in managing shared resources when relations between neighbouring states become strained.

For Pakistan, the outcome provides an opportunity to frame the decision not merely as a bilateral legal victory, but as an affirmation of international law, treaty compliance and peaceful dispute resolution.

The central message from the ruling is clear: the Indus Waters Treaty remains in force, its obligations continue to bind both parties, and disputes concerning shared waters must be addressed through the legal mechanisms agreed by India and Pakistan.

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