Algiers Airport Expansion Drive: Capsule Hotel, Digitalisation, Security Modernisation, Capacity Growth, and African Hub Ambition — Mediouni Voices on Strategy— Horizons

English Text By: Dr. Hana Saada

Mokhtar Saïd Mediouni, Chief Executive Officer of SGSIA (Airport Services and Infrastructure Management Company), said Houari Boumediene Airport is pursuing a strategy aimed at transforming Algiers into “a leading African aviation hub,” amid rising passenger traffic, accelerated digital modernisation and major infrastructure expansion projects.

In an interview with Horizons, Mediouni said the airport is operating continuously throughout the year and has adopted reinforced logistical measures ahead of the summer travel season, including additional scanners, strengthened operational teams and closer coordination with airlines, customs, security services, Civil Protection and NAFTAL.

He announced the upcoming launch of a 50-room capsule hotel inside the airport to accommodate transit passengers and travellers affected by delays or missed flights. The facility will be operated by a private concessionaire.

Mediouni said Terminal 4, designed to handle up to 10 million passengers annually, is gradually approaching full capacity due to sustained traffic growth, Algeria’s broader international opening and the increase in major global events hosted by the country. He added that 87% of foreign participants attending recent international events in Algeria transited through Algiers airport.

The SGSIA chief linked the airport’s growth prospects to improvements in service quality and stronger economic diplomacy aimed at promoting Algerian products abroad, stressing that “Made in Algeria” products possess significant untapped export potential.

On passenger flow management, Mediouni said the airport aims to further reduce baggage delivery times after recording a 19-minute turnaround last year. He added that ongoing digitalisation and new smart equipment could cut passenger processing times by nearly 80%.

He also stressed that improving international transit competitiveness depends heavily on shorter and more efficient flight connections, noting that many Algerian travellers heading to African and Asian destinations still transit through hubs such as Istanbul Airport.

Regarding flight punctuality, Mediouni said delays stem from multiple operational factors involving airlines, air traffic control and technical services, while the airport is maximising scanner operations, reinforcing security staffing and improving inter-service coordination to minimise disruptions without compromising passenger safety.

On digital transformation, Mediouni said the airport’s modernisation process is “practically finalised” and awaiting final approval from higher authorities before operational deployment. The programme includes advanced body scanners enabling passengers to pass security controls without removing personal belongings, shoes or belts, while maintaining high detection standards.

He added that adopting international technological and security standards would strengthen Algiers airport’s global connectivity, particularly toward North America, as airlines increasingly favour technologically advanced airport platforms.

Mediouni said international aviation is undergoing profound changes driven by new security and technological requirements, including future facial-recognition systems discussed within the Schengen area, stressing that Algeria “cannot afford delay” in adapting to these transformations before 2030.

Highlighting Algeria’s broader international momentum, Mediouni pointed to growing tourism flows, economic events and measures facilitating diaspora travel as factors reinforcing the strategic role of Algiers airport between Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

“Our objective is to make Algiers airport a reference infrastructure on the African continent,” he said, expressing hope that the airport would rank among Africa’s top five aviation platforms.

He noted that the approval of new foreign airlines falls under the authority of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), adding that several foreign carriers have already submitted requests to enter the Algerian market.

Reviewing 2025 air traffic trends, Mediouni said passenger flows remain strong year-round, driven by tourism, international events and diaspora travel, reflecting renewed attractiveness for Algeria as a destination and the continued recovery of global air transport.

He detailed several ongoing investment projects, including the acquisition of 4,000 new luggage trolleys, the full opening of duty-free facilities and new retail and restaurant spaces before summer.

The airport is also launching a major expansion and modernisation programme involving 11 additional boarding bridges west of the terminal complex alongside the renovation of 14 existing bridges at Terminal 1.

Mediouni said priority was also given to securing the airport’s electricity supply through the installation of a second backup power line to guarantee full operational reliability.

Additional modernisation projects include the acquisition of next-generation body scanners through international tenders involving major specialised global firms.

Concluding the interview, Mediouni called for greater civic responsibility among travellers, stressing that the airport reflects Algeria’s international image and that passengers must contribute through respect for infrastructure, cleanliness and responsible behaviour.

Adapted from:

https://www.horizons.dz/2026/05/mokhtar-said-mediouni-pdg-de-la-sgsia/