Algeria, prepare for an increase in airline ticket costs during the summer season.
In a growing chorus of discontent, Ahmed, a sixty-year-old man residing in Champigny, voiced his frustration over the high costs of air travel, lamenting that he no longer has the strength to drive long distances for boat travel. His sentiments echo those of many Algerians living in France, who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford airfare to visit their loved ones back home.
The high costs of air travel between France and Algeria can be attributed to several factors. For one, the route is dominated by a few airlines, such as Air France and Air Algérie, leading to limited competition. This lack of competition can result in higher prices due to the reduced incentive for airlines to offer competitive rates.
Regulatory factors also play a significant role. Historically, bilateral agreements between France and Algeria have influenced the number of flights allowed and have kept prices high by restricting competition. These agreements have been in place to manage the frequency and capacity of flights between the two countries.
Moreover, the demand for flights between France and Algeria is high, driven by strong cultural ties and familial connections. This demand, coupled with peak travel seasons, can drive up prices. Additionally, flights to Algeria may incur additional security measures and operational costs, which can be factored into ticket prices.
Attempts to increase competition and lower prices have been made, such as deregulation efforts, promoting low-cost carriers, and government initiatives. However, these strategies require careful consideration of economic, political, and social factors.
Some progress has been made recently, with Hamza Benhamouda appointed as the new general director of Air Algeria in February 2023, who promised a drop in prices. In April 2023, Air Algeria announced a new offer, "Osrati," intended for Algerian families in the diaspora, with tickets capped at 250 euros for a round trip Paris-Alger and 185 euros for a round trip Marseille-Alger.
However, the market for flights between France and Algeria remains an oligopolistic market, according to Jugurta Ayad, president of the community association established in France, ADDRA. The discontent generated by ticket prices has been ongoing on social media, with users posting screenshots of high fares and making jokes about the prices.
The Algerian government established an investigation commission three years ago to respond to the discontent generated by ticket prices. Despite this, the total cost for a round trip on Air Algeria for a family can exceed 3,200 euros, a figure that many find prohibitive.
The head of state intervened in 2022 to ask Air Algeria to review its prices downwards for the benefit of the Algerian community established abroad. Deputy Abdelouahab Yagoubi, representing Algerians abroad in the Algerian National Assembly, has repeatedly questioned the Algerian authorities about the high ticket prices since his election in 2021.
Currently, seven companies ensure flights between France and Algeria, including Air Algeria, Tassili Airlines, Air France, Transavia, Vueling, Volotea, and ASL Airlines. Despite the presence of low-cost companies like Vueling, their prices for the chosen summer period are very close to those of Air Algeria.
The couple Madjid and Sakina, living in Champigny, Paris region, cannot afford the high cost of five plane tickets for a summer trip to Bejaia, Algeria. Madjid works as an employee at the minimum wage in a handling company, and Sakina works from home as a childcare assistant. The couple lament that prices are becoming increasingly unaffordable, as they have previously deprived themselves of many things to save for the trip.
In conclusion, the high costs of air travel between France and Algeria are causing frustration among many, with calls for increased competition, deregulation, and government intervention to lower prices. While some progress has been made, the issue remains a significant concern for the Algerian community in France and beyond.
- Despite the attempts to increase competition and lower prices in the air travel industry between France and Algeria, the market remains an oligopolistic one, dominated by a few airlines such as Air France and Air Algérie.
- The high costs of air travel can significantly impact the finances of many individuals, specifically those in the Middle East living in France, as they struggle to afford airfare to visit their loved ones back home in Algeria.
- The lifestyle and business sectors are directly affected by the high costs of air travel, particularly in terms of travel restrictions for leisure or business purposes, which can limit opportunities for cultural exchanges and economic growth.
