Emirates boosts Algiers flights as Algeria rebounds from Covid

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Dubai’s Emirates is increasing its flights to Algeria, as the country enjoys a marked improvement on its path to post-pandemic economic recovery.

The Dubai airline will add a fifth weekly flight to Algiers from October 7, using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

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Emirates began operations to Algiers in 2013. It resumed services in November 2021 after the pandemic and since then has seen “growing customer demand”.

The increased air links between the two countries come as Algeria’s trade and budget balances are showing a marked improvement, according to the World Bank’s Algeria Economic Update published in August. Its non-hydrocarbon sectors are also expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels this year.

With oil prices remaining high, Algeria’s GDP is estimated to have recovered to its pre-pandemic level in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

Non-hydrocarbon GDP remained 1.6 percent below its 2019 level as inflation continued its upward trend, in part due to international factors. 

In response, Algerian authorities have implemented a set of measures to limit the impact of rising prices, including introducing unemployment benefits for first-time job seekers.

As a result, the country’s overall budget deficit narrowed in 2021, from 12 percent to 7.2 percent of GDP, mainly supported by hydrocarbon export revenues accruing to the budget, which increased by 36 percent.

“Despite a rebound in Algeria’s economic activity, challenges remain, compounded by highly volatile oil prices and the uncertainty of global economy dynamics,” said Jesko Hentschel, World Bank Maghreb Country Director. 

“Going forward, pursuing reform efforts to boost private sector activity will be key to stimulate inclusive growth and to create jobs.”

Exports from the UAE to Algeria amounted to $796.58 million last year, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

In October last year, Abdulla Mohamed Almazrui, chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with His Excellency Abdul Karim Tawahria, the UAE’s ambassador of Algeria, to discuss investment opportunities between the two countries.

Ambassador Tawahria, who was coming to the end of his diplomatic mission to the UAE, presented the new investment law in Algeria, which focuses on the economic diversification of strategic sectors such as energy and pharmaceuticals. 

He called on the Abu Dhabi Chamber to form a trade delegation to visit Algeria and introduce Emirati investors to the opportunities the North African country offers.