
Air Algérie has released a video and announced its program for the 2026 Hajj season, providing essential guidelines for Algerian pilgrims. The national airline aims to ensure a smooth and organized departure for over 41,000 pilgrims. Upon arrival at the airport, pilgrims will be assisted by Air Algérie agents through administrative and boarding procedures. Key documents required include a passport valid for over six months, an airline ticket with a visa, a Hajj booklet, a health booklet with mandatory vaccinations, and the original bank receipt. Pilgrims are advised to make photocopies of all documents and keep them separately. They must arrive at the airport five hours before departure. Baggage limits are two checked bags, each weighing a maximum of 23 kg, and one cabin bag not exceeding 10 kg. Medications and official documents should be placed in hand luggage, while liquids are prohibited in the cabin. Air Algérie will mobilize 12 airports and operate 176 flights in collaboration with Saudia Airlines and Flynas, with Air Algérie handling 88 flights. The first flight is scheduled for April 29, 2026, and return flights begin June 1, 2026. The company has coordinated closely with the National Office for Pilgrimage and Omra ONPO to ensure all logistical and organizational arrangements meet international standards. A dedicated toll-free number +966 800 8500 585 is available 24/7 in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims to access information throughout their journey.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadAmbassador Amar Bendjama, Algeria's permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, was unanimously elected president of the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC for the 2027 session. This election by member states followed the unanimous endorsement of the group of African ambassadors last month, aligning with the regional rotation among the five UN geographical groups. ECOSOC is a principal UN organ responsible for coordinating economic, social, and environmental activities, overseeing approximately 70% of the human and financial resources of the entire UN system, including 14 specialized institutions, 9 technical commissions, and 5 regional commissions. Algeria's presidency highlights its diplomatic role in guiding international discussions on sustainable development and multilateralism. In his address, Ambassador Bendjama stated that this selection signifies confidence in Algeria and committed to fulfilling this responsibility with determination to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. He outlined three strategic priorities for Algeria's presidency: inclusivity, accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, and renewing trust and revitalizing the institution's role. Inclusivity will focus on reflecting the aspirations of all members, particularly countries in specific situations, and ensuring effective participation. Accelerating SDGs will involve promoting balanced progress in poverty eradication, education access, inequality re
Must ReadThe Algerian government, led by Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, is exploring the establishment of a national fact-checking and monitoring system to address the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. This initiative aims to safeguard the integrity of digital content and rebuild public trust in the online media landscape. The decision was made during a government meeting that also included a minute of silence for victims of recent forest fires. Other topics discussed during the session included economic sovereignty, modernization of public services, and national infrastructure consolidation. The government also reviewed a draft executive decree for regulating public port areas and equipment concessions, aligning with presidential directives to improve port governance, optimize maritime space, reduce ship waiting times, and accelerate unloading. Additionally, the telecommunications sector was addressed, with the government examining texts for renewing 2G/GSM cellular network operating licenses for ATM Mobilis and Optimum Télécom Algérie Djezzy in accordance with Law 18-04. An evaluation of the national accreditation, certification, and approval network was also conducted, utilizing the RELEAC laboratory network and its GEOLAB digital platform to strengthen national product protection, standardize compliance, and optimize analytical capabilities. The meeting concluded with an update on major infrastructure projects in health, public works, hydraulics, justi

Djamel Touahria, Director General of Forests, stated on Algerian Radio's "Dayf Essabah" program that while major fires across Algeria have been brought under control by Civil Protection and forest brigades, the danger has not completely passed. Teams remain deployed for intensive cooling operations to prevent reignition. The rapid spread of fires this season is attributed to a combination of natural and human factors. A dense vegetation cover, resulting from significant winter rainfall, created easily flammable dry matter as temperatures rose. High temperatures further dried out forest areas, and strong winds accelerated the flames' progression, making interventions difficult. The presence of dry grasses also exacerbated the spread. Touahria emphasized that human activity, particularly negligent behavior such as unsupervised fires and lack of clearing around homes and roads, is the primary cause of most fire outbreaks. He also mentioned criminal acts and some natural causes. Specialized teams are conducting technical investigations to determine the precise origins of fires, using methods to locate ignition points and establish circumstances, which will inform prevention measures and target high-risk areas. For rehabilitation, Touahria explained that some plant species regenerate naturally, while others will require reforestation after damage assessment. Prevention efforts include maintaining forest tracks, creating firebreaks, and monitoring water supply points. Forest servic