Algerian national carrier Air Algeria is set to restart commercial flights between Algiers and Tripoli on October 28, 2026, marking a significant development in relations between the two countries. The flights, which will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays, will cut travel time between the two capitals to under two hours. This move comes after a ten-year suspension of direct flights between Algeria and Libya.
The resumption of flights is based on an agreement signed in April 2026, when Libyan and Algerian civil aviation authorities initialed a deal on air transport. The agreement allows each designated airline to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights, as well as cargo flights. This development aims to support Libya's aviation market and boost economic ties between the two nations.
Preparations for the flights have been underway at Tripoli's Mitiga International Airport since April. The airport's management welcomed the regional manager of Air Algeria for a working visit to assess operational and technical procedures. The visit included a tour of airport facilities to evaluate ground handling services and logistics.
According to published flight schedules, the first flight, AH4006, will depart Algiers at 9:00 AM local time and arrive in Tripoli after a 1 hour and 50-minute journey. The return flight, AH4007, will depart Tripoli on the same days. The flights will operate directly between Algiers' Houari Boumédiène Airport and Tripoli International Airport.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to have far-reaching implications beyond passenger travel. It is likely to facilitate increased business travel, student exchanges, and family visits, as well as potential growth in air cargo services. The direct link between the two capitals will eliminate the need for connecting flights and transit hubs.
Air Algeria suspended flights to Tripoli in January 2016, and the route has remained dormant for nearly a decade. The new agreement marks a significant step towards restoring air connectivity between the two countries. The deal not only covers passenger flights but also provides a framework for activating air cargo services.
While the initial schedule features two weekly flights, the April agreement allows for a much higher operational capacity, with each airline permitted to operate up to 14 weekly passenger flights. This leaves room for increased flight frequencies in the future, subject to demand and operational considerations.
Key points
- Direct flights between Algiers and Tripoli will resume on October 28, 2026, with two weekly flights.
- The flights will operate between Houari Boumédiène Airport in Algiers and Tripoli International Airport.
- The agreement allows for up to 14 weekly passenger flights per airline, with potential for future expansion.
