Crystal Travel | Travel News | 5th April 2026
Northern England travellers finally have a direct gateway to North Africa this summer, as Air Algérie prepares to make aviation history with a brand-new Manchester to Algiers service.
For years, passengers across Northern England have had no choice but to travel south to London or connect through European cities like Paris and Frankfurt just to reach Algeria. That frustration is finally coming to an end. Air Algérie has announced the launch of a brand-new direct service between Manchester Airport and Algiers, with the inaugural flight taking off on 14th June 2026 — the first time that Manchester will hold a direct air link to the North African capital.
The twice-weekly service will operate on Tuesdays and Sundays, flown on Boeing 737 aircraft, running seasonally from 14th June through to 8th September 2026. With this addition, Manchester becomes the only UK airport outside of London to offer a direct connection to Algiers, cementing its reputation as a genuine international gateway for the North.
The impact of this route on everyday travellers cannot be understated. What was once a lengthy, multi-stop journey can now be completed as a straightforward direct flight of approximately three and a half hours. Whether you are a holidaymaker heading to the Algerian coast, a business traveller, or someone visiting family and friends, the convenience this route offers is significant.
Air Algérie joins a growing number of African carriers operating from Manchester, sitting alongside Royal Air Maroc, Egyptair, and Ethiopian Airlines. Passengers departing this summer will also benefit from Manchester Airport's newly upgraded Terminal 2, which has undergone a major transformation, delivering a modern, comfortable travel experience from the moment you arrive at the airport.
While Morocco and Tunisia have long attracted British holidaymakers, Algeria remains one of North Africa's best-kept secrets — and that is precisely what makes it so appealing. Algiers, the country's vibrant capital, sits along a sweeping stretch of the Mediterranean coastline and offers a rich, authentic experience that feels far removed from the heavily touristed destinations many travellers are used to.
The city is a blend of French colonial architecture, bustling markets, seaside promenades, and a thriving food culture rooted in traditional Algerian flavours. Dishes like slow-cooked tagines, hearty couscous, and fresh Mediterranean seafood make dining in Algiers an experience in itself.
For those with a sense of adventure, Algeria has even more to offer beyond the capital. The country is home to some of the most remarkable Roman ruins in the world, vast palm-lined oases, and the extraordinary landscapes of the Sahara Desert — one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on the planet.
One of the most exciting aspects of this new route is where it can take you beyond Algiers. The Algerian capital serves as a key hub within Air Algérie's extensive African network, offering onward connections to major cities across the continent, including Johannesburg, Abuja, Dakar, and Douala.
For travellers in Northern England, this effectively opens up a much broader slice of Africa — all without needing to travel to London or connect through a European airport first. It is a meaningful shift in accessibility that will benefit tourists, business travellers, and diaspora communities alike.
This is an exciting development for anyone who has been looking for a simpler, more direct way to reach Algeria and the wider African continent. At Crystal Travel, our team is ready to help you take full advantage of this new route. From flight bookings, we are here to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Speak to one of our travel experts today and start planning your summer 2026 adventure.
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