Air Algérie to Suspend London Heathrow Flights From March 28, Shifting Focus to Stansted
Air Algérie is preparing to suspend its long-running service to London Heathrow at the end of March, marking a major change for the Algerian flag carrier’s UK operations after decades at the airport.
The airline is expected to stop flying to Heathrow from March 28, aligning with the start of the summer schedule. Air Algérie currently serves London via two airports—Heathrow and Stansted—but once the suspension takes effect, Stansted will become its primary London gateway.
Heathrow service set to pause at end of March
Air Algérie’s Heathrow operation currently runs four times weekly, scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The route links Algiers Houari Boumediene International Airport with London Heathrow, providing a direct option for passengers traveling between the UK and Algeria.
While the pause is framed as an operational decision, it remains unclear whether the carrier intends Heathrow to be a short-term seasonal suspension or a longer-term retreat. Some schedule indications point to a possible return later in the year, but public remarks suggest the suspension could extend beyond the summer season.
Stansted positioned as the replacement London airport
With Heathrow flights set to stop, Air Algérie will continue serving London through London Stansted, where it already operates regular services. Passengers holding Heathrow bookings are expected to be reaccommodated onto Stansted flights, with refund options available for travelers who do not wish to use Stansted.
Air Algérie only began building a consistent presence at Stansted more recently, operating four weekly flights using a mix of Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 aircraft. For the summer season, the airline is expected to increase capacity, with plans indicating growth to between one and two daily flights and potential use of larger aircraft on select rotations.
More UK routes could follow
The Heathrow suspension comes as demand between the UK and Algeria continues to trend upward, fueling interest in expanding beyond London. Air Algérie has been linked with evaluating additional UK cities, and discussion has included possible future service to Manchester, with Birmingham also mentioned as a candidate for expansion.
Such moves would represent a wider shift toward improving access for UK-based Algerian communities while also strengthening inbound tourism and business travel flows.
Fleet expansion supports network reshaping
Air Algérie’s network changes are unfolding alongside continued fleet modernization. The airline operates a mixed fleet spanning widebody and narrowbody aircraft as well as regional turboprops, and it is preparing for new deliveries that are expected to support medium- and long-haul growth.
In parallel, the carrier has also committed to additional ATR turboprops intended to strengthen domestic and regional connectivity, supporting a broader strategy of network rebuilding and expansion.
Bottom Line
Air Algérie is expected to suspend London Heathrow flights from March 28, shifting its London operation to Stansted while preparing for expanded summer capacity and potential future growth to additional UK cities. The move reflects a broader operational and network reshaping effort, supported by ongoing fleet investment and modernization.
