The Algerian airport management company, Société de gestion des services et infrastructures aéroportuaires d'Alger (SGSIA), has announced plans to upgrade the VIP and VVIP lounges at Houari-Boumediene International Airport's Western Terminal. The renovation aims to bring the lounges up to international standards, with a modern design and state-of-the-art equipment. The project is part of a larger effort to improve the airport's services and facilities.
The upgrade was announced on October 3, 2026, via the airport's official Facebook page. While the SGSIA has not provided a specific timeline or details on the renovation's scope, the new lounges are expected to offer a more comfortable and luxurious experience for passengers. The Western Terminal is primarily used for international flights, and the VIP and VVIP lounges cater to passengers traveling in First and Business classes.
Currently, access to the VIP lounges is restricted to passengers flying in premium classes or those who have been upgraded through loyalty programs or other means. The SGSIA has not disclosed whether the existing lounges will remain open during the renovation or if temporary facilities will be provided. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for updated information on lounge access before their flight.
The renovation of the VIP lounges is part of a broader strategy to establish Houari-Boumediene airport as a major hub in Africa. The airport's CEO, Mokhtar Saïd Mediouni, has stated that the goal is to make the airport a reference point for air travel on the continent. To achieve this, the SGSIA is investing in new infrastructure, including the addition of 11 new boarding bridges on the western side of the airport.
The upgrade of the VIP lounges is also linked to the expansion of Air Algérie's international network. The airline will be launching new routes to Conakry, Brazzaville, and Lagos-Abuja on October 25, 2026. Modern and well-equipped lounges are seen as an essential part of the airport's offering, particularly for passengers in transit.
In addition to the VIP lounge renovation, the SGSIA has been taking steps to improve the overall passenger experience at Houari-Boumediene airport. The airport has introduced new staff, recognizable by their "Ask me" t-shirts, to provide guidance and assistance to travelers. The airport has also recently received two new aircraft for Air Algérie and inaugurated a new catering facility.
The renovation of the VIP lounges is the latest in a series of upgrades at Houari-Boumediene airport. The airport has recently increased parking fees to 2,000 Algerian dinars per day, and there have been reports of viral videos highlighting issues with airport facilities. The SGSIA has denied these claims, and passengers are advised to verify information with their airline to avoid any confusion.
Key points
- The Algerian airport's VIP and VVIP lounges are set to undergo a major renovation as part of a broader effort to upgrade the airport's facilities and services.
- The upgrade aims to bring the lounges up to international standards, with a modern design and state-of-the-art equipment.
- The renovation is part of a larger strategy to establish Houari-Boumediene airport as a major hub in Africa.
