Air Algérie restarts Algiers to Tripoli flights

Air Algérie resumed direct flights between Algiers and Tripoli, Libya, on Wednesday, with a first flight from Houari Boumediene International Airport.

Awras reported that the airline will run two flights a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 28 October. The link gives passengers and traders a direct route between Algeria and Libya.

The first flight landed at Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli. The fares, listed earlier on the airline's booking website, started at 28,383 dinars (DZD) one way from Algiers to Tripoli and 25,144 dinars (DZD) for the return trip, about 53,527 dinars (DZD) in total. Prices may change with the travel date and seat availability.

Saleh Hemeh Mohamed Bakda, Libya's ambassador to Algeria, said regular flights between Algiers and Tripoli had stopped in 2014 and that the route is an important step in strengthening ties. He said its value goes beyond trade, covering travel, contact and social and humanitarian links between the two peoples.

The ambassador also praised the efforts of Air Algérie and the Algerian authorities to restart the line.

Sid Ahmed Dekdouk, acting sales and network director at Air Algérie, said the route is part of a plan to develop the airline's international network, especially in Africa. He said the two weekly flights would give travellers and cargo more options and boost trade between Algeria and Libya.

Dekdouk also expressed hope that the link would support cooperation between the two countries.

The airline earlier announced five new international routes, four of them in Africa. Flights to Conakry began on 25 October, and flights to Brazzaville and Lagos began on 26 October. Shanghai is the fifth destination.

The airline is also strengthening its fleet with new aircraft as it expands its presence in African markets.