Algeria Initiates Cancellation of Air Services Agreement with UAE

Algeria has begun formal procedures to cancel its 2013 air services agreement with the UAE, notifying the UAE and ICAO. The agreement allowed unrestricted bilateral flights and carrier designations, but no reasons have been given for its termination, and the UAE has not yet responded.

Algerian authorities have officially initiated the necessary procedures to cancel the air services agreement with the United Arab Emirates, signaling a potential shift in the aviation and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. According to the state-run news agency APS, Algeria will formally notify the UAE of the cancellation through established diplomatic channels in accordance with Article 22 of the agreement. In addition, Algeria will inform the secretary-general of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring that the international aviation body is aware of the development and can monitor any implications for regional air traffic and compliance with international aviation standards.
The original agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi on May 13, 2013, and subsequently ratified by a presidential decree in Algeria on December 30, 2014. It granted the aviation authorities of both countries the right to designate one or more national air carriers to operate the routes agreed upon in the accord. The agreement also provided the authorities with the discretion to withdraw, modify, or replace such designations as needed, allowing for flexibility in managing airline operations while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Under the terms of the agreement, each contracting party held the authority to revoke, suspend, or limit the operating licenses of designated carriers in cases of violations of applicable laws or failure to adhere to the terms of the pact. The arrangement further allowed for the designation of an unlimited number of national carriers from both Algeria and the UAE to operate regular flights without restrictions on capacity, aircraft type, or the number of flights. Carriers were permitted to use either owned or leased aircraft, giving both nations extensive freedom to expand their bilateral air transport services.
As of Sunday afternoon, no official reasons have been provided by Algerian authorities regarding the decision to cancel the agreement, and the UAE has not yet issued a statement in response. Observers note that such cancellations can have implications not only for commercial aviation and passenger travel but also for broader diplomatic and economic relations between the countries. The move underscores Algeria’s discretion under international aviation law to unilaterally review and terminate agreements in line with established procedures, while also highlighting the importance of notifying international aviation bodies such as ICAO to maintain compliance with global regulatory frameworks.
The cancellation process will likely involve a series of formal notifications and potential consultations with the UAE to ensure an orderly suspension of the agreement. Meanwhile, both governments will need to address operational considerations for airlines currently flying between the two countries, including the potential rerouting, rescheduling, or suspension of services. The development marks a significant moment in Algeria-UAE relations and is expected to attract attention from aviation analysts, diplomats, and international business observers monitoring the evolving landscape of air transport agreements in the region.