
Air Canada has announced the temporary suspension of its direct Montreal-Algiers route for the summer 2026 season, with operations expected to resume in 2027. The airline attributes this decision to a network re-evaluation aimed at ensuring the economic viability of its routes. This move also follows a worsening jet fuel crisis, exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which occurred after military interventions in Iran in February, has significantly impacted the aviation industry by doubling the price of aviation fuel in one year and leading to a global supply shortage. Consequently, airlines are reducing flight capacities, driving up prices. Air Canada had initially planned to resume direct flights from June 1, 2026, with four weekly frequencies. However, this program has been suspended. Travelers will now need to consider connecting flights through other international hubs, or rely on Air Algérie for direct long-haul travel on this route.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadTosyali Holding, a Turkish industrial giant, is investing $2.5 billion to expand its Bethioua complex in Algeria, aiming to transform it into a major global steel hub. This investment seeks to increase production capacity and supply essential components to Algeria's automotive and energy industries. Tosyali, which has risen from 84th to 46th globally in four years, intends for this expansion to help it enter the "Top 20" steel producers worldwide. The group's president, Fuat Tosyali, outlined plans to increase annual production from 6.5 million to 10 million tons within 30 months, with daily output doubling to 100,000 tons. This growth will be supported by iron ore from Gara Djebilet, with initial deliveries already supplying the Oran site and a processing unit in Béchar with an initial capacity of 2 million tons per year planned. Tosyali Algeria is also shifting towards high-value-added products, with a new galvanized steel unit set to meet local automotive industry needs. By the third quarter of 2026, 700,000 tons of flat steel from a total capacity of 1.6 million tons will be dedicated to car manufacturers in Algeria, aiming to boost the national integration rate for "Made in Algeria" vehicles. The household appliance and energy sectors, including gas and oil pipelines, are also priority markets. Additionally, Tosyali is collaborating with Sonatrach on a green hydrogen production project to progressively decarbonize steel production, ensuring the competitiveness of Algeria
Must ReadRiyad Mahrez has further cemented his place in football history by winning the Asian Champions League with Al-Ahli SC, securing his 17th career title. This achievement positions him as the third most decorated African player in history, trailing only Samuel Eto'o and Yaya Touré, and surpassing other legends like Didier Drogba and Seydou Keita. At 34, the former Manchester City player continues to demonstrate exceptional competitiveness and influence at the highest level. With two more seasons on his contract, Mahrez has the opportunity to potentially become the most titled African player ever, a testament to his longevity and ambition. Following his continental success, Mahrez addressed Algerian supporters, expressing his appreciation and promising more emotions at the upcoming World Cup. Having been a developing substitute in the 2014 World Cup, Mahrez is now set to approach the next global event as an indispensable leader both on and off the field, embodying the hopes of a nation with his experience, talent, and sense of responsibility.
Must ReadSpanish judicial authorities have ordered the arrest of Vicente Moreno, the Spanish vice-consul in Algiers, and an Algerian national, on suspicion of leading a "criminal structure" within the consulate. This group allegedly facilitated the acquisition of Schengen visas in exchange for money. Moreno, who had been in his post for only a few weeks, is also accused of laundering some of his illicit gains through vehicle purchases. The police operation, named Jazira-Cova, was initiated by the Spanish National Court with support from the anti-corruption prosecutor's office. Both individuals are currently in police custody awaiting a judge's hearing. Additionally, another person from the Spanish consulate in Algiers is under investigation in connection with this operation but has not been arrested. Searches conducted in Sagunto and Torrevieja yielded 10,890 euros in cash, four mobile phones, two laptops, and 17 USB drives. Spanish authorities have also requested the freezing of a property in Madrid and several other financial assets, along with the seizure of all documents, administrative files, and professional emails related to the "fraudulent" issuance of these visas. Moreno was previously investigated by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November for alleged irregular visa refusals, after applications were denied in the name of former consul Miriam De Andrés, who had already been removed from her position. Spanish business leaders had sent protest letters to Madrid, acc

Abdelmadjid and El Hadj, two undocumented Algerian men, saved a grandfather and his two granddaughters from a house fire in Toulouse. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, on Rue Etcheverlepo, when the men were driving by and noticed the fire and heard children screaming. Abdelmadjid, thinking of his own daughter, jumped over the fence into the burning property. He first rescued the grandfather, then passed the two girls, aged 3 and 6, to El Hadj, who waited on the other side of the fence. The children were immediately placed in their car. The fire quickly spread, engulfing the 90 square meter house. Emergency services later arrived, and three people were treated for smoke inhalation. Initially suspected by police, the two men were later recognized as heroes by the family they saved. The mother of the girls expressed her gratitude, stating, "They are the heroes. They saved our babies... they are fine thanks to them." Abdelmadjid, who has been in France for ten years, and El Hadj, who arrived in 2023, both hope to regularize their immigration status.