Air Algérie Flight 6289 was a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Tamanrasset to Algiers. On March 6, 2003, the flight encountered serious issues immediately after takeoff from the Aguenar – Hadj Bey Akhamok Airport. Witnesses reported that the aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, attempted to gain altitude but soon lost control and crashed near the airport. Unfortunately, despite the quick response of emergency services, 102 of the 103 individuals on board perished in the accident. The sole survivor was a young boy who was later treated for his injuries.

The investigation that followed identified several key factors contributing to the crash, including potential maintenance issues and adverse weather conditions. The tragic event prompted increased scrutiny on the safety protocols of Air Algérie and highlighted the challenges faced by airlines operating in mountainous and remote areas of Algeria. As a result, both governmental and aviation authorities initiated extensive reviews of operational practices and introduced stricter safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.

In the aftermath, Air Algérie faced significant public relations challenges as families and communities mourned the loss of their loved ones. Various memorial services were held to honor the victims, and the crash underscored the importance of aviation safety across the region, leading to collaborative efforts by airlines and regulatory bodies to improve the safety standards across North African air travel.