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Air Algérie announces seven new routes for 2026 to Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia
via Algérie3603 min read
Air Algérie is set to launch seven new international routes by the end of 2026, expanding its network into Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. This expansion follows the renewal of its fleet. The announcement was made by Air Algérie CEO Hamza Benhammuda during a press conference held on Thursday evening, alongside Mokhtar Saïd Mediouni, CEO of Algiers Airport management company, and Abdelkader Salmi, Director General of Air Algérie Cargo. The first new route, Algiers to Libreville, Gabon, is scheduled to begin in mid-June 2026. Four more African destinations will follow: Luanda, Angola; Maputo, Mozambique; Accra, Ghana; and Lagos, Nigeria. These routes aim to strengthen Air Algérie's presence in Africa and position Algiers as a transit hub between Europe, the Maghreb, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Beyond Africa, Air Algérie plans to launch a direct flight to Shanghai, China, in winter 2026, complementing existing services to Beijing. In Europe, a new route to Warsaw, Poland, will be introduced. Benhammuda noted that the implementation of this program is contingent on the continued delivery of new aircraft. Accompanying this expansion is a modernization project for Houari-Boumédiène International Airport in Algiers. The airport recorded over 10 million passengers in 2025, with projections of exceeding 11 million in 2026. To accommodate this growth, the airport is implementing smart check-in systems, digitized travel paths with biometric corridors, and electric shuttles on
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Algeria's Sahara Blend crude oil saw the largest value increase among Arab crudes in the first half of 2026. Its price rose by $23.91 per barrel, reaching an average of $96.04, marking a more than 33% growth compared to the same period in 2025. This surge is part of a general upward trend for Arab oils, with the OPEC basket's average price increasing by 30% to $93.67 per barrel from $72.04 a year prior. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the Iranian war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, contributed to this price hike by raising concerns about supply disruptions. The Sahara Blend remains one of the most valued crudes in the region, closely trailing Saudi Light, which was the most expensive at an average of $96.88 per barrel. Other regional crudes also showed strong performance: Kuwait Export increased by 30.42% to $95.13 per barrel, and Iraqi Basrah Medium rose by 31.07% to $93.57. Libyan Es Sider recorded the second-highest value increase of $23.8, with the highest relative growth in the region at 33.7%, reaching $94.47 per barrel. In contrast, Emirati Murban had the most moderate increase of 23.81%, settling at $89.06 per barrel. Despite this strong half-year, June 2026 saw a general decline in prices. Algerian Sahara Blend fell to $87.27 per barrel in June. Saudi Light remained the most expensive Arab crude in June at $96.89 per barrel, followed by Kuwait Export at $92.28, Libyan Es Sider at $86.47, Iraqi Basrah Medium at $85.1, and Emirati Murban at
Must ReadAlgeria's Ministry of National Defense announced the dismantling of a criminal cell affiliated with the separatist MAK movement, classified as a terrorist organization by Algerian authorities. The operation, conducted by army security services in Tizi Ouzou, resulted in six arrests, including four Moroccan nationals who were illegally present in Algeria. According to the Ministry, the group was active during the legislative elections, aiming to disrupt the process and prevent citizen participation. The operation was based on intelligence work, which allowed for the prior identification of all network members before their simultaneous arrest. The Ministry highlighted this as an example of security forces' ability to counter criminal plans and destabilizing threats. The presence of Moroccan nationals in the cell was noted, though no further details were provided on their entry into the territory or specific roles. This operation is part of a broader effort by the Algerian National People's Army against subversive and criminal networks, with numerous arrests and operations reported throughout the year against terrorist support elements and cross-border criminal organizations.
Zainab Ghebbache, a student with dual Algerian and Italian nationality, achieved a perfect score of 100/100 with "e Lode" with honors on the Italian Baccalaureate, known as the Esame di Maturità, in Belluno, Veneto. She was one of only six students at Renier High School to reach this academic distinction this year. Despite her literary background and passion for poetry, Ghebbache plans to pursue aerospace engineering at the University of Padua, aiming to establish herself as a woman in a scientific field. She also intends to earn a university degree in literature within the next two decades to continue her writing. Her achievement has been celebrated by the Algerian community in Italy, with the Federation of Algerian Students and Executives in Italy, through its founding president Houari Chelakh, congratulating her and her family. The federation expressed hope that Ghebbache will serve as a role model for future generations and a "worthy ambassador of Algeria" abroad.