Air Algérie plans to begin direct flights between Algiers and Luanda in July, as Algeria moves to deepen commercial and diplomatic ties across Africa and expand its aviation footprint on the continent, officials said Thursday.
The new route was announced during Angolan President João Lourenço’s visit to Algeria, where both countries signed 11 cooperation agreements spanning multiple sectors, reflecting growing bilateral engagement.
Authorities said the direct air link between Algiers and Luanda is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate business travel and strengthen trade relations between North Africa and Southern Africa.
The launch forms part of a wider expansion strategy by Air Algérie, which is seeking to position itself as a key regional carrier linking African capitals and boosting intra-African mobility.
The airline is targeting 10 million passengers annually by 2026 as it expands its fleet and international network, according to company plans.
It has recently placed orders for new aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, as part of efforts to modernise operations and increase route capacity.
Air Algérie has also outlined plans to expand further into African markets, with proposed routes to cities including N’Djamena in Chad, Zanzibar in Tanzania, Libreville in Gabon and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
The airline’s expansion is closely aligned with Algeria’s broader economic strategy to diversify away from hydrocarbons and strengthen trade links across the African continent.
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Officials in Algeria have increasingly prioritised regional connectivity projects, including transport corridors and logistics partnerships aimed at boosting non-oil exports.
In recent years, Algeria has also pursued infrastructure initiatives to improve trade integration with neighbouring countries, including road and maritime links with Mauritania.
Government officials say improved air connectivity is a key pillar of this strategy, enabling faster movement of goods, services and people across African markets.
The planned Algiers–Luanda route is expected to support business exchanges between North and Southern Africa, particularly in energy, mining, agriculture and infrastructure development sectors.
Analysts say the move reflects a broader trend among African carriers expanding intra-continental routes as governments seek to strengthen regional trade under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Air Algérie’s expansion also comes amid increasing competition among African airlines to capture rising demand for regional travel, driven by economic integration efforts and growing business ties across the continent.
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The airline’s network growth is expected to support Algeria’s ambition to play a larger role in African economic diplomacy, while also providing new commercial opportunities for its aviation sector.
