Algeria has initiated formal procedures to terminate its air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates, a deal originally signed in Abu Dhabi in May 2013, according to state media reports on Saturday.
The agreement, ratified by presidential decree in December 2014, governs bilateral aviation rights between the two countries. Under Article 22 of the pact, Algeria is required to notify the UAE through diplomatic channels and inform the Secretary-General of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to complete the termination process.
While no official reason was provided for the decision, it comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Algiers and Abu Dhabi. Algerian media outlets have in recent months accused the UAE of attempting to undermine regional stability. These strains became more visible in October last year, when President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said Algeria maintained warm relations with all Gulf states except one—widely interpreted as a reference to the UAE—accusing it of interference in Algeria’s internal affairs.
The move could have economic and commercial consequences, particularly for air travel, tourism and cargo transport between North Africa and the Gulf. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption may raise travel and logistics costs, potentially weighing on investment and trade flows.
Air Algérie and UAE-based carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways could face reduced market access or higher operating costs, depending on how aviation rights are restructured following the agreement’s cancellation.
