On Wednesday, February 5, Governor Saïd Khelil announced the reclassification of Tiaret Airport, upgrading it from a national to an international airport. This decision opens new opportunities for the region, particularly in terms of air connectivity and economic growth.
According to the Arabic-language daily El Khabar, during a visit to communes in the Rahouia district, the governor told the press: “We have just been informed that Tiaret Airport has been classified as an international airport, pending official confirmation from the Ministry of Transport.”
This reclassification marks a significant step forward for the wilaya, enabling it to accommodate international flights. The change will establish an international air bridge, facilitating travel for tourists, businesspeople, and expatriates.
Opening to International Travel and Hajj
The new status of Tiaret Airport is expected to support regular international flights, particularly to meet the needs of expatriates from Tiaret and neighboring wilayas. Communities in Germany and France, for example, could benefit from direct connections to their home country.
The reclassification will also simplify travel for pilgrims during the Hajj. In 2009, Abdelhafid Boussouf Airport was used for this purpose, with six flights to Jeddah enabling 2,191 pilgrims to travel to Saudi Arabia.
An Economic Boost for Tiaret
The internationalization of Tiaret Airport will also benefit businesspeople and foreign workers involved in various projects in Tiaret and surrounding areas. This includes employees of Chinese construction companies and South Korean engineers working at a potato seed production lab in Sebaïne. Enhanced air access could stimulate foreign investment and local development.
Abdelhafid Boussouf Airport resumed domestic flights in 2010, with twice-weekly services connecting Tiaret, Algiers, and Oran. However, these flights struggled due to high fares, which deterred some travelers, including patients traveling to hospitals in Oran and Algiers.
With its new international status, Tiaret Airport could see increased activity, provided attractive flight options are introduced and infrastructure is adapted to meet international aviation standards.
Planned International Destinations
The first international routes from Tiaret Airport are expected to serve Paris and Toulouse, where a significant Algerian community from western Algeria, particularly Tiaret and neighboring wilayas, resides. Additional destinations like Marseille and Montpellier may also be added to meet the strong demand from expatriates seeking easier access to their home region.
At least two airlines will operate these new routes: Air Algérie, the national carrier, and a French airline, whose name has not yet been officially disclosed. This expanded offering is expected to provide travelers with greater flexibility and better fares for flights between France and Tiaret.
