Air Algérie has officially launched its first air route connecting Algiers, the Algerian capital, to Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. The inaugural flight landed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
The airline’s delegation was warmly received by Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mezoued Hosineb, along with Nigerian government officials.
The new route marks a significant step in Air Algérie’s strategy to expand its network across Africa and enhance bilateral ties between Algeria and Nigeria.
The service will operate with a stopover in Douala, Cameroon, utilizing the fifth freedom of the air allowing Air Algérie to transport passengers between Douala and Abuja in addition to flights originating from Algiers.
Ambassador Hosineb highlighted the strategic importance of the route, calling it a milestone in the long-standing economic partnership between the two nations, which includes joint projects like the Trans-Saharan pipeline.
“With this new flag, our countries are closer than ever. Algeria is now less than five hours from Abuja,” Hosineb said.
“This launch is the result of renewed discussions over the past year. We deeply appreciate the support from Nigerian authorities in making this a reality.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, welcomed the development, noting its potential to unlock economic, tourism, and cultural opportunities.
“Our business communities now have direct access to new markets for trade and investment,” Kana stated.
“This route also opens doors for tourism, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration between our countries.”
Kana thanked Air Algérie’s partners and called for excellent passenger service, emphasizing the Ministry’s full support. “We want you not just in Abuja, but in Kano and Lagos as well,” he added.
Air Algérie CEO, Hamza Benhamouda praised the initiative, expressing optimism that the route would stimulate economic growth and further strengthen the Algeria-Nigeria relationship.
