Algeria transfers Tassili Airlines ownership to Air Algérie in major aviation restructuring

Algeria has taken a significant step in overhauling its domestic aviation sector with the formal transfer of ownership of Tassili Airlines from the Sonatrach Group to national carrier Air Algérie.

The move, framed as a strategic realignment, was finalized on Thursday, June 19, through a formal agreement signed in Algiers.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Transport headquarters, brought together key stakeholders, including Air Algérie CEO Hamza Benhamouda, Sonatrach Holding External Activities and Support CEO Mohamed Tira, and Minister of Transport Saïd Sayoud.

“This framework agreement defines the regulatory mechanisms adopted for the careful execution of the transfer operation, which ensures an organized transfer of ownership and business continuity within a legal framework and reflects the respect by both parties of the principles of governance and strategic integration in air transport,” Air Algérie said in a statement following the signing.

The agreement marks a foundational phase in the government’s broader plan to streamline and enhance the efficiency of Algeria’s domestic air services.

The integration is expected to bolster connectivity between the country’s regions, or provinces, and reinforce the role of air transport in national cohesion and economic development.

According to the statement, Air Algérie is “fully committed” to the success of what it described as a “strategic” operation, pledging to deploy all necessary resources to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted service for passengers.

The restructuring is part of a national directive issued by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a high-level meeting on March 12, 2025.

At the time, the president called for the creation of a robust domestic airline to better serve Algeria’s internal transport needs and stimulate regional development.

This transfer consolidates Air Algérie’s position as the central actor in the country’s aviation sector and is widely seen as a move to optimize operational efficiency and governance in the face of increasing logistical demands.