Algeria’s Direct Guangzhou Flight Ignites Stronger Africa-China Ties

In a spectacle rich with symbolism and excitement, Air Algérie inaugurated a groundbreaking direct air route between Algiers and Guangzhou, greeted by a ceremonial water salute upon touchdown in China’s bustling southern hub.

This iconic aviation tradition, where fire trucks arc jets of water over the aircraft, celebrated not just the arrival but the dawn of enhanced aerial bridges between North Africa and one of Asia’s powerhouse economies.

The water salute went beyond mere protocol, embodying the strengthening bond between Algeria and China through shared economic ambitions, cultural dialogues, and seamless travel. In an era that demands robust global interconnections, this route unlocks new avenues for commerce, leisure travel, and interpersonal exchanges between the two nations.

According to News Aero,  Air Algérie’s new nonstop service from Algiers to Guangzhou marks a pivotal advancement for Africa’s aviation landscape, cementing Algeria’s role as a vital conduit between North Africa and Asia’s vibrant commercial heartland.

Guangzhou’s prominence as a global manufacturing and trade epicentre is poised to attract a surge in corporate flyers, financiers, and sightseers. Also, Algerian businesses will now gain streamlined access to Chinese supply chains. In contrast, inbound Chinese travellers and investors can immerse themselves directly in Algeria’s storied heritage sites, ancient ruins, and burgeoning markets. This direct linkage bolsters Africa’s position in international logistics, visitor inflows, and transnational alliances.

Moving forward, Air Algérie’s Guangzhou success story prompts deeper contemplation on how African airlines and allies can harness direct links to ignite tourist arrivals, lure capital, and strengthen international relations. 

Direct air connections between China and African nations have gained momentum recently, driven by surging bilateral trade, investment under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and a post-pandemic rebound in travel demand. While Algeria’s new Algiers-Guangzhou route (launched October 27, 2025) is a fresh milestone, it joins an expanding network of nonstop flights linking China to Africa, which has grown dramatically. Air traffic between the two regions skyrocketed 630% over the past decade, with Ethiopian Airlines alone operating nearly half of the routes.

Key existing direct links include Ethiopian Airlines’ services from Addis Ababa to multiple Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu), EgyptAir’s services to Beijing and Guangzhou, Kenya Airways’ services to Guangzhou, and Air China’s services to Johannesburg.

Guangzhou emerges as a dominant hub, often referred to as China’s “Africa capital”, facilitating two-thirds of the traffic for countries like Nigeria in peak years.

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In Nigeria specifically, direct China flights have been operational since 2022, when Air Peace launched Lagos-Guangzhou services, easing business trips for traders and reducing reliance on layovers in hubs like Dubai or Addis Ababa.

This route has strengthened Nigeria-China ties, with over 200,000 passengers annually in pre-direct eras now flowing more efficiently. However, Nigeria lags in frequency compared to East African peers; no daily direct services exist yet, and high aviation taxes (up to $180 per international ticket) deter broader growth.

Recent partnerships, such as Emirates and Air Peace codeshares, indirectly boost connectivity, but calls persist for more non-stop options to Beijing or Shanghai.

Direct China-Africa flights, such as those between Algeria and Guangzhou, could profoundly elevate tourism across the continent by reducing travel times, lowering costs, and attracting Asia’s massive outbound market. China sent over 150 million tourists abroad pre-pandemic, with Africa aiming to capture a larger share via simplified visas and targeted promotions.

For Africa as a whole, enhanced Asian links stimulate inbound tourism (e.g., Chinese visitors to heritage sites in Algeria or safaris in East Africa), boost multi-destination packages, and integrate the continent into global supply chains, potentially adding billions to GDP through hospitality, retail, and job creation.

Initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the G20’s push for liberalised agreements amplify this, reducing intra-African layovers and making the continent more accessible. Cargo growth also rises, supporting perishable exports and e-commerce.

In Nigeria, direct China routes could turbocharge tourism by drawing affluent Chinese travellers to landmarks like Yankari Game Reserve, Obudu Cattle Ranch, or Lagos’ vibrant culture, while easing outbound Nigerian leisure trips. Air Peace’s Guangzhou service already cuts travel time by 10–12 hours, fostering business-tourism hybrids and cultural exchanges.

Positive impacts include job creation in hotels and guides, revenue from visa-free policies, and infrastructure upgrades (e.g., new terminals). However, challenges such as high taxes and limited frequencies risk capping gains; similar direct routes (e.g., Nigeria-Brazil) have spurred tourism upticks of 20-30% elsewhere.  If expanded, these links could position Nigeria as West Africa’s gateway to Asia, mirroring Ethiopia’s hub success.

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FAQs

1. When did the Air Algérie Guangzhou flight launch?

The inaugural direct flight from Algiers to Guangzhou operated on October 27, 2025, with a ceremonial water salute marking the occasion.

2. What airlines offer direct flights from China to African countries? 

Key operators include Air Algérie (Algiers-Guangzhou), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa to multiple Chinese cities), EgyptAir (Cairo-Beijing/Guangzhou), Kenya Airways (Nairobi-Guangzhou), and Air China (Johannesburg). In Nigeria, Air Peace flies direct from Lagos to Guangzhou.

3. How do direct China-Africa flights benefit tourism? 

They reduce travel time and costs, attract Chinese outbound tourists (over 150 million annually pre-pandemic), enable multi-destination trips, and boost local economies through increased spending on hotels, tours, and cultural experiences.

4. Does Nigeria have direct flights to China, and what’s the impact on its tourism?  

Yes, Air Peace has been operating the Lagos-Guangzhou route since 2022. It facilitates access for Chinese visitors to Nigerian attractions, potentially increasing tourism revenue by 20-30% through business-leisure blends, although high taxes limit its full potential.

5. Why is Guangzhou a key hub for Africa-China flights?  

As China’s manufacturing and trade hub, Guangzhou handles two-thirds of Africa-related trade, facilitating efficient business, investment, and tourism flows, and is often referred to as the “African capital” of China.