Oran airport, the second largest airport center in Algeria after Algiers, is undergoing major work to raise its standards. This suggests new prospects in terms of traffic.
The new Oran terminal, under construction at Ahmed Ben Bella airport in Algeria, will be delivered at the end of the first quarter of 2022, reveals the Algerian Minister of Transport, Aïssa Bekkai, who paid a visit to on-site inspection Thursday, February 17.
According to Nadjib Benchenine, director of the airport, the technical tests started in January. This stage, once completed, will lead to the immediate commissioning of the infrastructure.
“We have launched technical tests, in particular for escalators, elevators and surveillance cameras. During this month of February, we will proceed with the installation of airport equipment, namely 33 check-in counters, five baggage belts as well as six equipped telescopic walkways,” he declared.
Started in 2013, this project, which cost around 38 billion dinars (i.e. $270.5 million), aims to strengthen the operational capacities of the airport platform. It experienced a delay compared to its delivery which was initially scheduled for 2017. The work was delayed, among other things, due to an upward revision of the cost of execution, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new terminal will be able to accommodate up to 3.5 million passengers per year, with the possibility of extension planned in the design to reach 6 million passengers per year.
Operationalizing this infrastructure is just one part of the Algerian government’s plan to reform the national aviation sector. This plan also includes the creation of new companies to make the sector more competitive and boost traffic levels.
