Enhancing Algeria's Aviation Infrastructure: A Strategic Framework for Developing Regional Transit Hubs, International Partnerships, and Integrated Airport Ecosystems

This study examines the transformative potential of Algeria’s aviation sector by reconfiguring its major airports—Houari Boumediene (Algiers), Es Senia (Oran), Rabah Bitat (Annaba), and Aguenar–Hadj Bey Akhamok (Tamanrasset)—into specialized regional transit hubs. Each airport is assigned a strategic role: Tamanrasset as a hub for sub-Saharan Africa and South America, Annaba for the Eastern Mediterranean, Algiers for Europe, and Oran for North America. The framework also proposes developing these airports into integrated ecosystems with maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, catering services, logistics zones, and on-site or connected hotels to enhance passenger experience, support air cargo, and boost economic viability.Additionally, the study explores transforming Air Algérie into a global mega-carrier, comparable to Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines, to enhance the competitiveness of Algeria’s airports against global hubs like Dubai (DXB) and Heathrow (LHR). Using a mixed-methods approach—including geospatial analysis with the Haversine formula, economic modeling adapted from International Air Transport Association (IATA) frameworks, and qualitative reviews of policy and academic sources—the research projects a 50% growth in passenger traffic and a 1–2.5% contribution to Algeria’s GDP by 2030. Results highlight the geospatial efficiency of southern hubs, particularly for Africa–South America routes, and emphasize the importance of strategic partnerships with Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa, alongside integrated airport services.This work contributes to North African aviation literature by proposing a multi-hub model aligned with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), addressing a critical gap in integrated hub strategies for emerging markets.