In a bid to foster stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, set to begin on April 6.
The flight service is anticipated to significantly enhance connectivity, foster tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
The maiden flight is slated to have on board distinguished passengers, including the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Algiers, prominent Nigerian community leaders, and high-ranking representatives from the Algerian government.
The Ministry’s Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement on Wednesday that the new Algiers-Abuja route, facilitated by the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Algeria, will be serviced by Air Algérie’s Boeing 737 aircraft.
The statement reads in part: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce the commencement of Air Algerie’s inaugural direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja, scheduled for 6th April 2025.
“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.
“It is pertinent to state that it is the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries, which culminated in this successful venture.”
The ministry commended the Nigerian Embassy for its pivotal role in launching the inaugural flight and also congratulated Air Algérie, while offering its full support to guarantee the success of the new service.
The direct flight, boasting competitive fares and leveraging Algeria’s strategic proximity to Europe, presents Nigerians with a seamless gateway to the European continent, thereby bolstering Nigeria’s stature as a pivotal regional hub for commerce, tourism, and transit.
It also stated: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant aviation authorities, extends its warm congratulations to Air Algerie and assures all necessary support to ensure the success and sustainability of this new service.
“We believe this initiative will further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Algeria, while opening new opportunities for mutual growth.
“The affordable fare structure and the proximity of Algeria to Europe would also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”
The ministry urged citizens and businesses to capitalize on this enhanced connectivity, seizing opportunities to foster bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges that will strengthen the bonds between Nigeria and Algeria.
Nigeria’s aviation industry has been experiencing a period of significant growth and prosperity lately.
Persecondnews recalls that the industry witnessed notable milestones in 2024, including the introduction of new routes, and the country’s removal from a global watch list.
The removal was preceded by a significant development in September 2024, when Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, signed the Cape Town Convention (CTC) practice direction.
The practice direction effectively addressed longstanding challenges related to the leasing of aviation assets, thereby facilitating domestic airlines’ access to dry lease aircraft and bolstering their operational capabilities.
In a notable achievement, Air Peace successfully inaugurated direct flights from Nigeria to London’s Gatwick Airport on March 30, 2024, overcoming initial hurdles in securing favorable flight slots.
XEJet, a newcomer to the Nigerian aviation scene, made a significant impact by expanding the country’s air travel options, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to the growth of local air traffic.
Also, Ibom Air expanded its fleet with the addition of two Bombardier CRJ 900 next-generation aircraft, registered as 5N-CED and 5N-CEE.
United Nigeria Airlines equally expanded its fleet with the addition of an Embraer 190 aircraft (E190).
XEJet achieved a significant milestone by transitioning from charter services to launching scheduled commercial operations.
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