A “Fare War” Sparks Between Airline Companies Ahead of the New Year’s Celebrations

Airline companies have started competing in bid to attract more passengers ahead of the New Year’s celebrations.

Taking advantage of exceptional steps taken by some airline companies, Algerian travel agencies are proposing for the New Year’ celebrations Europe and US destinations, rather than Egypt, Tunisia or Syria affected by repercussions of the “Arab Spring.” 

In fact, Air Algerie proposes Algiers-Marseille fare for 15 thousand DZD (200 Euros), while the fares to Lion, Paris and Frankfurt vary between 38 thousand and 560 thousand DZD, while the fare to Barcelona is set at 19.140 DZD, and Pekin’s fare has been brought down to 79 900 DZD.

Yet, the Spanish Spanair airline company increased exceptionally the number of its flights a week to 9, to meet the awaited increase in passengers who are to celebrate the New Year in Spain. 

It is worth to recall that 84 thousand Algerians visited Spain this year, while the Spanish airline company predicts a 43 percent increase in passengers as by the end of the year. 

Air France bids on the US destination, proposing competitive fares of 74 thousand DZD (800 Euros). Yet, the other French Aigle Azure airline proposes Algiers-Marseille fare at a lower cost of 15 thousand DZD (170 Euros).

However, Secretary General of Travel Agencies Federation, Nedjah Boudjeloua told Echorouk reporter that revolutions that sparked in the three classic tourist countries, namely Egypt, Syria and Tunisia, forced travel agencies to propose European destinations for the New Year’s celebrations, including to Turkey, Spain, France and Italy.

Mr Boudjeloua further specified that Turkey remains the most attractive spot for Algerians, thanks to its relatively cheap hotels.