The opening of air space to private airlines is a "must," Minister of Transport Amar Ghoul said Sunday, adding that national interest is a priority.
"The opening of air space to private airlines is a must, but it would not be done to the detriment of national airlines," the minister told Liberté Daily forum.
"We have reached now the stage of terms definition for that action."
 Ghoul invited national airlines Air Algerie and Tassili Airlines to get ready for the operation, as "competition will be sharp."
"Once air space is open, national airline Air Algerie will have to get ready to face competition from both private sector and major world airlines."
National airline Air Algerie will however benefit of upgrading and development programme, Ghoul disclosed.