Air Algérie Targets Network Surge with Plans to Double African Routes by 2028
Air Algérie has unveiled an ambitious three-year strategy to dramatically expand its footprint across the African continent, aiming to grow its network from the current 11 destinations to over 20 by 2028. This bold move positions the Algerian national carrier as a key player in the evolving landscape of African aviation and signals intensified competition and new opportunities for connectivity across North, West, Central, and East Africa.
The expansion is set to be underpinned by the arrival of new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, a modern, fuel-efficient addition to the fleet that will enable the carrier to launch longer and more frequent flights while controlling operational costs. The strategic fleet renewal, backed by Algeria’s broader economic transformation agenda, will allow Air Algérie to meet rising demand for intra-African travel and strengthen its role as a bridge between North Africa and the rest of the continent.
A key element of this plan involves a significant shift in operational focus. Air Algérie will gradually scale back its domestic services, handing over much of its internal market to a newly created subsidiary, Domestic Airlines. This move is expected to free up aircraft and crew, which can then be redeployed to support the African expansion. For the continent’s travel sector, this development highlights a growing trend among legacy carriers to streamline operations and maximize international opportunities as competition intensifies, especially from low-cost and specialist regional airlines.
Among the newly announced routes are connections from Algiers to N’Djamena (set to launch in October), Addis Ababa, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Libreville, and Lagos. These additions will give the carrier coverage in strategic markets spanning Central, East, and West Africa, and enhance cross-continental links for both business and leisure travelers. For African tour operators, DMCs, and corporate mobility planners, these routes open fresh opportunities for seamless group travel, MICE events, and multi-destination itineraries that link North Africa with the continent’s economic and tourism powerhouses.
The plan also positions Algiers as a potential hub for north-south and east-west African connections. With improved infrastructure and new aircraft, Air Algérie seeks to attract transit traffic from countries underserved by direct intercontinental flights. This aligns with a broader trend where African carriers are leveraging geographic advantages to establish alternative gateways to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, supporting the continent’s ambitions for greater intra-African mobility and integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Fleet modernization is central to the strategy. The Boeing 737 MAX 9 provides extended range, lower fuel burn, and enhanced passenger comfort, all of which are essential for competing on high-potential but often thin African routes. By deploying these new aircraft, Air Algérie can offer more reliable schedules, improved onboard service, and the flexibility to adapt capacity to seasonal peaks or special events. This is particularly relevant as African aviation continues to recover and demand patterns shift toward point-to-point travel, regional business links, and niche leisure markets.
For the African travel industry, Air Algérie’s push is a reminder of the growing importance of north-south connectivity. Historically, much of Africa’s air traffic has been oriented toward Europe or the Middle East, but the emergence of robust intra-African networks is reshaping the market. New routes to cities like Addis Ababa, Zanzibar, and Lagos will not only facilitate trade and tourism but also enable African airlines and travel companies to develop new products, forge fresh partnerships, and deliver more competitive fares and schedules to their customers.
Furthermore, the carrier’s strategic withdrawal from the domestic market in favor of a specialized unit is a signal that African legacy airlines are willing to innovate for efficiency. This model, if successful, could inspire similar moves elsewhere on the continent, driving renewed focus on international expansion while ensuring that domestic connectivity remains robust through dedicated subsidiaries or partnerships with regional operators.
Looking ahead, Air Algérie’s expanded African network will play a pivotal role in shaping traffic flows, stimulating demand, and supporting the growth of the continent’s tourism and business sectors. The coming years will be crucial as the airline rolls out its new routes, inducts the latest aircraft, and fine-tunes its hub strategy. For Africa’s travel ecosystem, these developments represent both a challenge and an opportunity—demanding adaptability, creativity, and collaboration to capitalize on the increasing movement of people and goods within and beyond Africa’s borders.
As Air Algérie charts this new course, African travel professionals will be closely watching how increased connectivity, modernized fleets, and innovative operating models can drive the next chapter of growth for the continent’s aviation industry.
