Royal Jordanian launches Algiers route

Royal Jordanian Airlines will launch flights to Algiers from February 25, the carrier said.

The twice weekly flights to the Algerian capital, on Monday and Wednesdays, will feed other routes in the region including Jeddah and Medina, targeting Algerian Muslims traveling to the Saudi Arabian holy cities for hajj and umrah pilgrimages.

Royal Jordanian said market research indicated that the route could help it capitalise on Algerians seeking specialist medical treatment in Jordan.

“The Algiers route will see active traffic to the kingdom from medical tourists. Jordan is fast becoming a very attractive destination for medical tourism in the region,” a statement said.

A third flight, scheduled for Thursdays, will begin April 1.

Royal Jordanian, a member of the British Airways-led oneworld airline alliance, was forced to consolidate some of its routes and reduce flight frequencies in the wake of the Arab Spring, high oil prices and stiffer competition from carriers in the Gulf.

The Amman-based airline said earlier in February it would increase the number of flights to Libya to 15 weekly.