Emirates to end Algiers flights in 2027 as UAE–Algeria Air Agreement collapses

Emirates has confirmed it will end flights to Algeria in early 2027 after the Algerian government formally initiated the termination of its bilateral air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Dubai-based carrier said operations remain unchanged for the time being. Flights continue to operate according to schedule, but the airline confirmed the route now has a defined end date. The last scheduled service, flight EK757, will depart Algiers on 3 February 2027.

Algeria recently invoked Article 22 of the 2013 UAE-Algeria air transport agreement, starting the official withdrawal procedure through diplomatic channels. Unless a new agreement is negotiated, traffic rights between the two countries will automatically lapse.

Emirates currently operates six weekly flights between Dubai and Algiers using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Air Algérie maintains daily service on the route with Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. Together, the airlines provide approximately 8,250 weekly return seats, with Emirates accounting for just over half of the available capacity.

Passenger demand has already shown signs of weakening. Around 351,500 passengers travelled between the UAE and Algeria in the twelve months to June 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 12%. Approximately 78% of travellers flew nonstop, while Istanbul, Jeddah and Doha acted as the main one-stop connecting hubs.

The termination of the agreement comes amid broader political tensions, with Algerian authorities accusing the UAE of interference in regional affairs and diverging positions on conflicts in North Africa and the Sahel region.

For Emirates, the closure removes a North African destination that has been part of its network for more than a decade. For Algeria, the decision reduces direct connectivity to the Gulf and is expected to shift traffic flows toward competing hubs such as Istanbul and Doha.

The airline said it will comply with any directives issued by authorities and will inform customers, employees and partners if circumstances change.