Bounar stated that the route, launched the previous day by Air Algérie, will serve as a new bridge for social bonds while enhancing economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between Algeria and the rest of the African continent, particularly Gabon.

In a press statement following the arrival of the inaugural Air Algérie flight at Libreville’s Léon-Mba International Airport from Algiers’ Houari Boumediene International Airport (via Douala, Cameroon), Bounar remarked that the route marks a "new step" in the development of bilateral relations, fostering a vital link for human and commercial exchanges.

The inaugural flight took off on Tuesday evening aboard a Boeing 737-800. The departure was attended by Abdelghani Dridi, Secretary-General of the Algerian Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Air Algérie executives, and the Ambassador of Gabon to Algeria, Marie Rosine Mimi Itsana.

Upon landing at Léon-Mba Airport after a roughly six-hour journey, the aircraft was received by Algeria’s Chargé d’Affaires and senior officials from the Gabonese air transport sector.

The Ambassador of Gabon to Algeria described the launch of the air route as a "qualitative addition" to African solidarity. She noted that it would open new horizons for expanding exchanges and pave the way for broader opportunities to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various fields.

The new schedule is designed to allow passengers to travel between the two capitals twice a week: on Tuesdays via Douala, and on Fridays via a direct flight, bypassing the need to transit through European airports.

Air Algérie’s Regional Representative for Africa, Mohamed Khaili, explained that Gabon was chosen as part of the airline’s broader strategy to expand its continental network. He emphasized that the new destination will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional connectivity and boosting economic and trade exchanges between Algeria and Gabon.

Algiers-Libreville air route, "new step" in advancing African relations