Comprehensive Guide to Houari Boumediene International Airport, Algiers

Houari Boumediene International Airport (IATA: ALG, ICAO: DAAG), also known as Algiers International Airport, is Algeria’s largest and busiest airport, serving as the primary gateway to the capital city, Algiers. Located in Dar El Beïda, approximately 16 km (10 miles) east-southeast of central Algiers, the airport is a key hub for both domestic and international travel, handling around 8 million passengers annually with a total capacity of 22 million. Named after former Algerian President Houari Boumediene, the airport has a rich history and has undergone significant modernization to enhance passenger experience. This guide provides detailed practical information about the airport’s facilities, services, transportation options, and recent updates.

General Information

• Location: Dar El Beïda, 16 km east of Algiers city center.

• History: Established in 1924 as Maison Blanche Airport, it played a significant role during the Algerian War of Independence and World War II, notably as a target during the Allied Operation Torch in 1942. It was renamed in honor of Houari Boumediene (1932–1978) after his presidency.

• Management: Operated by Société de Gestion des Services et Infrastructures Aéroportuaires (SGSIA), a subsidiary of EGSA Algiers, since November 2006, in partnership with Aéroports de Paris (ADP).

• Terminals:

  • Terminal 1: Dedicated to domestic flights, inaugurated in 2006 and renovated in 2007.

  • Terminal 2: Primarily used for charter flights, especially for pilgrimage travel.

  • Terminal 4 (West): Opened in 2019 for international flights, with a capacity of 10 million passengers annually, featuring 120 check-in counters, 14 air bridges, and modern amenities.

• Airlines and Destinations: The airport serves over 80 destinations with 25 airlines, including Air Algérie (main hub), Tassili Airlines, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and others. Key routes include Paris (CDG), Oran (ORN), Constantine (CZL), Beijing (PEK), and Montreal (YUL).

Facilities and Services

• Check-in and Security: The international terminal (Terminal 4) is designed for efficiency, with short distances from check-in to boarding. Passengers are advised to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Security checks are thorough but relatively quick, though luggage offloading can be slow.

• Lounges:

  • Air Algérie VIP Lounge: Located in Terminal 1, Hall 2, near Gate 21, open 24/7 for Air Algérie business class passengers, offering seating, food, drinks, and free Wi-Fi.

  • Salon SGSIA Première Classe: Available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 4, Hall 2, accessible to all passengers for a fee, with complimentary access for premium passengers of select airlines.

• Dining and Shopping: The airport offers various dining options, including cafes, fast-food outlets, and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Duty-free shops sell perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and souvenirs. However, dining and shopping options are noted to be limited compared to larger global airports.

• Other Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals. Currency exchange counters are conveniently located, and baggage handling is supported by trained staff and trolleys to minimize loss or damage. SWISSPORT manages storage facilities since 2007.

• Hotels: The Hyatt Regency Hotel, opened in 2019, is connected to Terminal 4 and offers 320 rooms, 3 restaurants, a swimming pool, and 13 meeting rooms.

Transportation Options

• Train: Since 2019, a railway station between Terminals 1 and 2 connects the airport to Agha Station in central Algiers via the SNTF commuter rail network, with a stop at El Harrach. Trains run every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.

• Bus: The “Aero-ville” shuttle, operated by ETUSA, runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, connecting the airport to Place des Martyrs in Algiers’ Kasbah, with stops at Gare Routiere du Caroubier and Tafourah – Grande Poste. The trip takes 45–60 minutes.

• Taxi: Available 24/7 outside both terminals. A trip to central Algiers costs approximately 1200 DZD (~9 USD), with a lower fare of ~800 DZD (~6 USD) for the reverse journey due to surcharges. Ride-hailing services like Yassir are also available.

• Car Rentals: Agencies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget, and Safar El Amir operate at the airport. Reservations can be made online or at counters. Driving to the city center via the N11 Highway or RN 5 Main Road takes about 15–30 minutes.

• Parking: Parking P1, in front of Terminal 4, offers 2000 spaces for short-term parking.

• Future Metro Expansion: An extension of the Algiers Metro to the airport is under construction, with completion expected in late 2026.

Recent Updates

• Terminal 4 Expansion: The 2019 opening of Terminal 4 significantly increased capacity and improved passenger flow with modern facilities, though some reports note underutilization due to low tourist numbers (less than 1 million annually post-pandemic).

• Flight Resumptions and New Routes: In 2024–2025, several airlines expanded services:

  • Etihad Airways resumed flights to Abu Dhabi on November 7, 2024.

  • Royal Jordanian relaunched Algiers–Amman flights on September 4, 2024.

  • Air Algérie restarted Algiers–Jeddah and Algiers–Madinah flights on August 23, 2024.

  • Pegasus Airlines introduced flights to Istanbul.

• Air Algérie Fleet Expansion: The airline plans to acquire 15 new aircraft and lease 7 more, primarily widebodies, to strengthen its hub operations at the airport.

• Incidents: On November 21, 2023, an Air Algérie Cargo Boeing 737-800 experienced a tail strike during takeoff, with no injuries reported.

Additional Notes

• Accessibility: The airport operates 24/7, though some facilities may have limited hours. Information desks are available in each terminal for assistance.

• Visa Requirements: Algeria has strict visa policies, allowing visa-free entry only for citizens of Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Mali, Seychelles, Tunisia, and Mauritania, which contributes to lower passenger traffic.

• Airport Rating: Certified as a 3-Star Regional Airport by Skytrax for facilities, cleanliness, and staff service, with noted weaknesses in dining, shopping, and staff attitudes.

• Cultural Context: The airport’s modern design and cleanliness are praised, but it is often described as quiet due to limited tourism and visa restrictions. Travelers report a lack of entertainment options, particularly for children.

Tips for Travelers

• Arrival Time: Plan to arrive early to account for thorough security and immigration processes.

• Luggage: Be prepared for potential delays in baggage claim, as business class luggage is not prioritized.

• Transportation: For quick trips to the city, taxis or ride-hailing apps like Yassir are recommended. For budget travelers, the bus or train offers affordable options.

• Connectivity: Take advantage of free Wi-Fi to stay connected during layovers.

Houari Boumediene International Airport continues to evolve as a key hub in North Africa, with ongoing improvements aimed at enhancing its global standing. For the latest flight schedules and services, visit the official airport website or contact airline operators directly.

Sources:

• Web information on airport facilities, transportation, and recent updates (2024–2025).