Algeria has formally initiated the process to cancel its air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a deal originally signed in Abu Dhabi on May 13, 2013, and ratified by Algerian presidential decree on December 30, 2014, state media reported on Saturday.
The North African country did not provide an official reason for the move. However, recent coverage in Algerian media has highlighted growing criticism of the UAE, accusing it of attempts to interfere in regional affairs and foment discord. The cancellation process, the state-owned radio reported, follows the provisions of Article 22 of the 2013 agreement, which requires Algeria to formally notify the UAE through diplomatic channels. Additionally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be informed to implement any necessary procedural steps within the organization.
“No immediate comment has been received from the UAE regarding Algeria’s decision,” the report noted, underscoring the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the move.
Observers say the decision to terminate the air services agreement may reflect deeper political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Algeria’s relationship with the Gulf states has generally been cordial, but in October last year, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pointedly criticized an unnamed Gulf country for alleged interference in Algerian domestic affairs. While he cited positive “brotherly” relations with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, Tebboune warned that one country had been seeking to destabilize Algeria, a remark widely interpreted as directed at the UAE.
The air services agreement in question facilitated commercial flights and air transport cooperation between Algeria and the UAE. Its termination could affect direct flights, cargo transport, and airline partnerships, potentially impacting both business travel and tourism between the two countries. Airline operators in both nations may now need to seek alternative arrangements or negotiate new bilateral agreements to continue operations legally.
Analysts suggest that the cancellation may also have broader implications for regional geopolitics, as Algeria has positioned itself as a key player in North Africa and often emphasizes sovereignty and non-interference in its internal affairs. The move could be interpreted as a signal of disapproval of UAE policies perceived as intrusive, and it may influence future diplomatic and economic engagements between the countries.
The process to officially terminate the agreement is expected to take several weeks. Formal notifications through diplomatic channels will be followed by procedural coordination with the ICAO to ensure compliance with international aviation law. Until these steps are completed, current air services may continue under the existing framework, though airlines and travel operators are monitoring developments closely.
Regional experts note that tensions between Algeria and the UAE are part of a wider pattern of shifting alliances and strategic rivalries in the Middle East and North Africa. While Algeria maintains strong ties with several Gulf states, differences over foreign policy, regional influence, and internal political affairs have occasionally led to strained interactions with certain countries.
The termination of the air services agreement marks the latest development in Algeria-UAE relations, highlighting the intersection of diplomacy, aviation policy, and geopolitical strategy. It remains unclear how the UAE will respond, but analysts anticipate that any reaction could shape not only bilateral ties but also Algeria’s broader engagement with Gulf nations in trade, aviation, and regional security.
Algerian authorities have emphasized that the decision is a sovereign matter and part of Algeria’s right to review and adjust international agreements in line with national interests. Meanwhile, ICAO officials will oversee compliance and ensure that the procedural aspects of terminating the agreement align with international aviation regulations.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the impact of the termination on commercial flights, bilateral cooperation, and the wider diplomatic relationship between Algeria and the UAE.
Source: Africa Publicity
