Algiers – The Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport, Saïd Saioud, underlined on Tuesday the need to accelerate the implementation of projects aimed at modernizing and improving services at Houari Boumediene International Airport, according to a statement from the ministry.
Presiding over a coordination meeting at the ministry’s headquarters in the Government Palace, attended by senior officials, the minister reviewed progress in realizing the new vision for airport service development. This initiative builds upon directives from a previous meeting, where he instructed the preparation of a simulation video comparing the time taken under the traditional passenger process (entry, check-in, inspection, boarding) versus the so-called smart process.
The presentation highlighted a “significant difference in speed, fluidity, and efficiency” between the two approaches, demonstrating the pressing need to adopt modern digital solutions. Following this, the minister emphasized the urgency of replacing fingerprint-based systems with smarter digital alternatives to avoid congestion and ensure smooth passenger flow. He also called for the rapid drafting of a technical specifications book that would lead to effective contracting, ensuring both speed of execution and transparency in compliance with legal, regulatory, and international standards.
Minister Saioud further stressed the importance of coordination between all actors operating at the airport—including security services, customs, and the management authority—in order to achieve the highest levels of efficiency. He urged stakeholders to accelerate project execution through the use of innovative technological solutions that embody the digital transformation of Algeria’s airports.
In closing, the minister extended his gratitude to the management company of Algiers Airport for the “tangible” progress made in preparing this strategic project. He also praised the efforts of security and customs services, reaffirming that the success of modernization and digital transformation relies on collective work and continuous coordination between all parties involved.
This ambitious project reflects Algeria’s determination to position its capital’s airport as a modern gateway that meets international standards, serving its citizens and international visitors alike, and standing as yet another sign of the country’s resilience and forward-looking policies—despite external attempts, particularly from the Moroccan regime, to undermine Algeria’s standing as a regional hub for progress and modernization.
