New flight route between Nigeria, Algeria to begin in April
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
New flight route between Nigeria, Algeria to begin in April
Both Nigeria and Algeria are set to strengthen their aviation ties with the launch of a new flight route under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement, scheduled to commence in April 2024.
The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, confirmed this in a statement released on Tuesday.
According to the statement, “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, received the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mezoued Hosine, on a courtesy visit to discuss the commencement of Bilateral Air Service Agreement arrangements between Nigeria and Algeria.”
During the meeting, Ambassador Hosine highlighted Algeria’s strong interest in launching air services connecting Algeria, Abuja, and Douala.
He urged the Honourable Minister to intervene in expediting the necessary approvals from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to facilitate the route’s timely launch.
“During the meeting, Ambassador Hosine expressed his country’s keen interest in launching air services connecting Algeria, Abuja, and Douala.
He specifically requested the Honourable Minister’s intervention in ensuring that the necessary paperwork is expedited by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to facilitate the commencement of this route, slated to begin operations in April 2024.”
In response, Keyamo welcomed the initiative and praised Algeria’s commitment to fostering aviation collaboration between both nations. He pledged to ensure a smooth process, reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to expanding air transport connectivity.
“This development aligns with our broader vision to enhance Nigeria’s aviation connectivity with key international destinations,” Keyamo stated.
He further emphasised the practical benefits of the new route, noting the challenges currently faced by travellers within the region.
“We will work closely with relevant agencies, particularly the NCAA, to ensure all required formalities are completed as swiftly as possible. This is an opportunity we have been waiting for.
“If we have to go to Cameroon, a neighbouring country less than an hour’s flight away, we currently have to fly to Togo first, possibly sleep over, before proceeding to Cameroon. This is a welcome development.”
The proposed Algeria-Abuja-Douala route is expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and Algeria while facilitating trade, tourism, and investment across the region.
Keyamo assured Ambassador Hosine of Nigeria’s readiness to support the initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving air travel accessibility and positioning Nigeria as a pivotal aviation hub in Africa.
