Algiers Bound: Emirates Re-Adds Its 21st African Destination

Emirates is officially back in Algeria. The Dubai-based carrier is restarting flights to Algiers, marking its 21st destination in Africa and fully restoring its network in North Africa. As restrictions ease globally, Emirates is hoping to return to all of its former routes and perhaps even add some more.

Emirates is the official airline for EXPO 2020 in Dubai, which hopes to attract million in the next six months. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Touchdown

After 19 months out of the market, Emirates is relaunching flights to the Algerian capital from November 9th onwards. The service to Algeria will operate twice a week and will be a triangle service on the return leg to Dubai. The route is currently scheduled as:

• EK757 (Tuesdays and Thursdays): Leaves Dubai at 09:30 AM and arrives in Algiers at 14:00 local times (direct).
• EK758 (Tuesdays and Thursdays): Leaves Algiers at 17:00, stopping at Tunis at 18:20, before flying onto Dubai at 19:20. The flight arrives at 03:55 AM the following day.

The 777 service will operate with a stop in Tunis on the return flights to Dubai. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Emirates will deploy one of its trusted 777-300ERs on the route to maximize passenger and cargo volume. While the return flight might be extended for many, it helps to ensure the airline has enough revenue to break even on more flights. Tickets are now available to book with the usual connections to the rest of the world possible (subject to travel restrictions).

Focus on Africa

With 21 destinations on the map, Emirates is placing its focus on Africa in the coming months. Currently, the airline is flying 116 weekly flights into the continent, with South Africa being the most popular country. However, it has hinted that it is looking to expand, perhaps increase frequencies, or even adding new destinations.

If it does choose to expand, Emirates won’t be the only one. Africa has been a huge focus for rival Qatar Airways since last year. The Doha-based carrier has added flights to Harare, Lusaka, Abidjan, Abuja, and more. With six routes since the pandemic began alone, Africa is shaping up to be the next big competitive market.

Emirates will be coming into stiff competition from Qatar Airways as it considers an African expansion. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Today, Qatar Airways has used the pandemic to reach 27 destinations across the continent, while Emirates stands at 21. For now, both carriers are hoping to tap into the bustling cargo market and growing passenger numbers to fuel a post-pandemic growth spurt.

Busy year

After nearly two years of tight travel controls around the globe, the borders are finally opening. From Australia to the US, Emirates will finally be able to deploy its beloved A380 and see a sharp rise in revenue and passenger volume over the next few months. Before 2021 closes out, the carrier hopes to hit 70% of its pre-pandemic capacity.

All of this coincides with Emirates’ home city hosting EXPO 2020. The multi-billion global fair hopes to lure millions to travel to Dubai. This, in turn, will be a massive boost to Emirates and the local economy, helping the industry return to its feet.

What do you think about Emirates’ African strategy? Let us know in the comments!

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