The carrier has detailed plans to fly to Johannesburg and other destinations soon.
SUMMARY
- Air Algérie is launching non-stop flights between Algiers and Johannesburg starting from September 21.
- The airline will operate two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, with a return connection on Mondays and Thursdays.
- The new Algiers-Johannesburg route will be the carrier’s longest within Africa and will offer passengers numerous onward connections to destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Flight schedule
As per the government’s directive, Algeria’s national carrier is moving forward with the plan to enhance its fleet and global network. It will begin connecting Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) and Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) during the southern summer season, and the service will continue throughout the rest of the year.
Flights from Algiers will be operated on Sundays and Thursdays, while the return connection is operated on Mondays and Thursdays with the Airbus A330. The schedule is as follows:
| Flight | Route | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH5360 | ALG-JNB | Sunday | 20:00 – 06:25 |
| Thursday | 11:05 – 21:30 | ||
| AH5361 | JNB-ALG | Monday | 07:55 – 16:05 |
| Thursday | 23:00 – 07:10 |
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Connecting Algiers to Johannesburg
Algiers Airport is one of the main gateways in Northern Africa, while OR Tambo is Southern Africa’s main hub. The route has never been served regularly by any airline before, and Air Algérie will probably be the only carrier operating flights for a while. Air Algérie spokesperson Amine Andaloussi said;
“The opening of this line comes in accordance with the instructions of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at strengthening the international network of Air Algérie and developing the Algiers Hub. It is also part of the roadmap drawn up by the Ministry of Transport and the national airline for the opening of lines allowing the latter to position itself in Africa.”
Although Algeria is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners in North Africa, tourism between the two nations is not the highest. As such, the JNB-ALG route will probably be frequented by transit passengers looking for onward connections. The national carrier offers over 15 options for further connections to destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Flight inauguration and more destinations
Commercial flights to JNB will begin in September, but the route will be officially inaugurated on August 21 for the 15th BRICS summit, taking place in South Africa. This follows the state’s recommendation for industrial companies to participate by showcasing Algeria’s industrial potential.
The Algerian airline has also announced plans to significantly expand its global network and reach 60 destinations by 2025. This means the carrier will add up to 20 destinations in the next year and a half, including Addis Ababa, Abuja, Douala, and Libreville in Africa.
Destinations outside the continent include Amsterdam, Caracas, Havana, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and New York. The announcement was made after the launch of Air Algérie’s inaugural flight to St Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED) on July 26. ALG-LED is the carrier’s latest route, operated three times a week
What do you think about Air Algérie’s flights to Johannesburg and other expansion plans? Please let us know in the comments!
