Bordj Badji Mokhtar Targets 24/7 Operation by 2027
Algeria is undertaking significant development projects for its southern airports, focusing on infrastructure modernization and enhanced operational capacity. These initiatives include plans for 24-hour operation at Bordj Badji Mokhtar Airport and the establishment of a new international airport in Béni Abbès, indicating a strategic push to bolster air transport in the region.
At Bordj Badji Mokhtar, in Algeria's far south, the National Air Navigation Establishment (ENNA) announced a project aiming for 24-hour airport functionality by the first half of 2027. This development was discussed during a coordination meeting on October 6, 2026, attended by the wali and ENNA Director General Mounir Chermati, who assessed the airport's current status and planned modernizations. Achieving round-the-clock operations necessitates additional personnel, including air traffic controllers, specialized engineers, and technicians for telecommunications, energy, and lighting, alongside upgrades to air navigation equipment.
Concurrently, Béni Abbès is set to host a new international airport, with its master plan unveiled in April 2026. The proposed infrastructure will cover an exploited surface of 90,775 square meters, featuring a built area of 13,816 square meters, along with 19,305 square meters allocated for parking and roads, and 9,212 square meters for green spaces. The detailed plan includes a civil passenger terminal, a military terminal, an honor lounge, and dedicated areas for parking, drop-off, and buses.
The Béni Abbès project further outlines a technical zone encompassing a control tower, a security and firefighting building, an energy plant, and hydraulic infrastructure. Administrative services such as police, customs, and airline offices are also planned, alongside meteorological facilities. Beyond passenger services, the new airport will incorporate a cargo hangar and a fuel depot complete with storage tanks and a pumping station, underscoring its comprehensive design to support various aviation needs.
