Five years after being shut down, the aerial line connecting Annaba to the mountain town of Seraïdi is back in operation. A long-awaited comeback for this strategic link that is at once touristic, ecological, and vital for local transport.
Suspended both in time and in the air for nearly five years, the cable car connecting the city of Annaba to the hilltop commune of Seraïdi was brought back to life on Monday, July 21. Algerian Minister of Transport, Saïd Sayoud, officially relaunched this emblematic infrastructure, now fully renovated and modernized.
Originally commissioned in 1986, the 4,150-meter-long cable car is much more than a means of transportation. It serves as a bridge between the city and the mountain, between the coastal plain and the forested heights of the Edough range. A real asset for both residents and tourists, it also provides an eco-friendly and practical solution to the challenge of accessing steep, hard-to-reach areas.
According to technical officials on site, the rehabilitation work included a full overhaul of the infrastructure and mechanical systems, now upgraded to meet the highest safety standards. Thanks to the improvements, the cable car can now carry up to 2,000 passengers per day, completing the journey between downtown Annaba and Seraïdi in just 20 minutes.
“This is a strategic asset for the wilaya, not only for transport but also for tourism development,” Minister Sayoud emphasized in his press statement. He also stressed the importance of regular maintenance and delivering high-quality service to citizens.
Beyond the restart itself, the project opens the door to broader ambitions. The minister mentioned the potential to replicate this model in other Algerian cities with similar mountainous terrain — a strong signal in favor of sustainable, terrain-sensitive public transportation.
In addition, Sayoud announced plans to boost Annaba’s public transport fleet. Twenty-four new buses will soon be acquired to reinforce the network operated by the Annaba Urban and Suburban Transport Company (EPTUSA). Ten of these buses will begin service in the coming weeks, including routes connecting with the cable car, such as the key Sidi Harb station.
Between local development, improved connectivity, and enhanced tourism, the revival of the Annaba–Seraïdi cable car marks a symbolic yet concrete step toward a new vision for mobility — gentler, more inclusive, and in tune with the landscape. A breath of fresh air, quite literally, for citizens who had long awaited its return.
