Key Takeaways
• airBaltic launched direct Tallinn–Tirana and Vilnius–Tirana flights starting June 2 and 3, 2025, twice weekly each.
• These summer routes run from June to September 30, improving travel convenience and boosting Baltic-Albania tourism ties.
• One-way tickets start at €49; airBaltic carried 410,138 passengers in April 2025 with 99.6% on-time flights.
At the start of June 2025, airBaltic made a major move in European aviation by launching new direct flights from Tallinn (Estonia) and Vilnius (Lithuania) to Tirana (Albania 🇦🇱). The first Tallinn–Tirana flight took off on June 2, 2025, followed by the Vilnius–Tirana route just after midnight on June 3. These new routes, operating twice weekly through September 30, 2025, mark a significant step in connecting the Baltic capitals with Albania’s vibrant capital city. This expansion is not just about new travel options—it’s about making journeys easier, boosting tourism, and opening doors for business and cultural exchange between the Baltics and the Balkans.
Why These New Routes Matter
For years, travelers between Estonia, Lithuania, and Albania had to rely on connecting flights, often facing long layovers and complicated itineraries. Now, with airBaltic’s direct flights, passengers can fly straight from Tallinn or Vilnius to Tirana in just a few hours. This change saves time, reduces travel stress, and makes both leisure and business trips much more convenient.
According to airBaltic’s CEO, Martin Gauss, the airline is committed to offering the best connections from all three Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius—to meet growing passenger demand for new destinations. Mantas Vrubliauskas, airBaltic’s Vice President of Network Management, explained that the decision to add Tirana was driven by increasing interest in travel between the Baltics and Albania. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is seen as a direct response to the needs of travelers and the growing popularity of Albania as a summer destination.
Key Details of the New airBaltic Routes
Flight Schedule and Frequency
– Tallinn–Tirana: Direct flights every week, twice weekly, from June 2 to September 30, 2025.
– Vilnius–Tirana: Direct flights every week, twice weekly, from June 3 to September 30, 2025.
– Total Weekly Flights: Four direct flights per week between the Baltics and Tirana during the summer season.
Seasonal Operation
– These routes are available only during the summer, from early June through the end of September 2025. This timing matches the peak travel season, when demand for leisure trips is highest.
Network Expansion
– With these new flights, airBaltic now connects all three Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius—directly to Tirana. This strengthens the airline’s network and gives travelers more choices.
Ticket Prices
– One-way fares from Tallinn or Vilnius to Tirana start at around €49, making these routes accessible for many travelers.
Booking and Travel Process
1. Booking: Travelers can book tickets directly on the airBaltic website or through travel agencies.
2. Travel Dates: Choose any available date between early June and September 30, 2025.
3. Check-in: Online check-in opens 24–36 hours before departure. Airport check-in counters are also available.
4. Travel Requirements: Standard Schengen/EU travel documents are needed for Baltic travelers visiting Albania. Albanian citizens can use these flights for direct access to the Baltics.
The Impact on Travelers
Faster, Easier Journeys
Before these direct flights, getting from Tallinn or Vilnius to Tirana meant at least one layover, often in a major European hub like Frankfurt or Vienna. This could add hours to the trip and increase the risk of missed connections or delays. Now, travelers can fly non-stop, arriving in Tirana quickly and without hassle.
This is especially helpful for:
– Leisure travelers: Families, couples, and groups heading to Albania’s Adriatic coast or exploring its historic cities.
– Business travelers: Professionals who need to save time and avoid complicated travel plans.
– Albanian diaspora: People living in the Baltics who want to visit family or friends in Albania.
More Choices for Summer Holidays
Albania has become a popular summer destination, known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and affordable prices. With direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius, more people from Estonia and Lithuania can now consider Albania for their next holiday. At the same time, Albanians can visit the Baltics more easily, discovering new cultures and cities.
Improved Travel for Albanian Citizens
For Albanian citizens, these routes offer a direct link to the Baltics, opening up new opportunities for tourism, study, and business. The flights also make it easier for Albanians to connect with friends and family living in Estonia or Lithuania.
Economic and Tourism Benefits
Boosting Tourism Flows
Tourism boards in both the Baltics and Albania expect these new routes to increase visitor numbers. Direct flights make destinations more attractive, as travelers prefer simple, non-stop journeys. This can lead to:
– More hotel bookings
– Increased spending in local restaurants and shops
– Growth in guided tours and cultural events
Supporting Local Economies
Airports in Tallinn and Vilnius benefit from higher passenger numbers and expanded route offerings. According to Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports, airBaltic’s growing presence is helping Lithuania become better connected to the rest of Europe. Eero Pärgmäe, Board Member at Tallinn Airport, praised airBaltic as a reliable partner and welcomed the new options for Estonian travelers.
Encouraging Business and Investment
Direct flights make it easier for companies to do business across borders. Businesspeople can attend meetings, explore new markets, and build partnerships without wasting time on long layovers. This can lead to new investments and stronger economic ties between the Baltics and Albania.
airBaltic’s Growing Network
Expanding Reach
airBaltic is not just focusing on Tirana. During the 2025 summer season, the airline will serve:
– 22 destinations from Tallinn
– 16 destinations from Vilnius
– Nearly 130 destinations overall from its main hubs in Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonally from Gran Canaria
This wide network gives travelers in the Baltics many choices for both business and leisure trips.
Strong Performance
In April 2025, airBaltic carried 410,138 passengers—a 12% increase compared to the previous year. The airline’s load factor (the percentage of seats filled) was 77.8%, and its flight regularity rate (on-time performance) was 99.6%. These numbers show that airBaltic is a reliable and popular choice for travelers in Northern and Eastern Europe.
Responding to Demand
The decision to launch direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana follows the successful introduction of the Riga–Tirana route in 2024. That service saw strong demand, encouraging airBaltic to expand further. The airline’s leadership says they will continue to watch passenger trends and may add more flights or extend the season if demand remains high.
How to Book and Prepare for Your Trip
Booking a flight on these new routes is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the airBaltic website or your preferred travel agency.
- Select your departure city (Tallinn or Vilnius) and destination (Tirana).
- Choose your travel dates between early June and September 30, 2025.
- Book your ticket—one-way fares start at about €49.
- Check your travel documents: If you’re a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, standard travel documents apply. Albanian citizens should check visa requirements for the Baltics.
- Check-in online 24–36 hours before your flight, or use the airport check-in counters.
- Arrive at the airport with enough time for security and boarding.
For official travel requirements and visa information, travelers can visit the European Union Immigration Portal for up-to-date details.
Broader Context: European Aviation and Regional Development
Aligning with EU Aviation Strategy
The expansion of direct flights between the Baltics and Albania fits with the European Union’s Aviation Strategy, which aims to create more efficient and sustainable transport links across member states. By offering non-stop flights, airBaltic helps reduce the need for connecting flights, which can lower emissions and make travel more sustainable.
Strengthening Regional Ties
Direct flights do more than move people—they build bridges between countries. By connecting Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tirana, airBaltic is helping to foster stronger cultural, economic, and social ties between the Baltics and the Balkans. This can lead to more student exchanges, joint business ventures, and shared cultural events.
Perspectives from Key Stakeholders
airBaltic Leadership
Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, said the airline is focused on providing the best possible connections for travelers in the Baltics. He emphasized that the new routes are a direct response to what passengers want—more choices and easier travel.
Mantas Vrubliauskas, Vice President of Network Management, pointed out that demand for travel between the Baltics and Albania is growing. He said the new flights to Tirana are part of airBaltic’s strategy to expand where passengers need it most.
Airport Officials
Eero Pärgmäe from Tallinn Airport called airBaltic a reliable partner and welcomed the new route as a way to give Estonian travelers more options. Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports, said airBaltic is becoming one of the biggest airlines in Lithuania, helping the country stay connected to Europe and beyond.
Travelers and Tourism Boards
Travelers benefit from shorter, simpler trips. Tourism boards in both regions expect more visitors and greater cultural exchange. Local businesses, from hotels to tour operators, are likely to see more customers thanks to the new flights.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
Possible Route Extensions
If the Tallinn–Tirana and Vilnius–Tirana routes prove popular, airBaltic may extend the season or add more flights in future years. The airline’s leadership says they are always watching passenger numbers and will adjust their schedule to meet demand.
Continued Network Growth
airBaltic is also looking at other new destinations, both in the Balkans and in other emerging markets. The airline’s goal is to keep growing and to offer more choices for travelers in the Baltics.
Market Position
With these new routes, airBaltic is on track to become the second-largest airline in Lithuania and to strengthen its position as the leading regional carrier in the Baltics.
Practical Information and Resources
For travelers interested in these new routes, here are some helpful resources:
– airBaltic Official Website: www.airbaltic.com (for bookings, schedules, and updates)
– airBaltic Newsroom: company.airbaltic.com/en/newsroom (for press releases and announcements)
– Tallinn Airport: www.tallinn-airport.ee
– Vilnius Airport: www.vilnius-airport.lt
– Customer Service: Contact details are available on the airBaltic website for any questions or support.
Conclusion: A New Era for Baltic–Balkan Travel
The launch of direct airBaltic flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana is more than just a new travel option—it’s a sign of growing connections between the Baltics and Albania 🇦🇱. These routes make travel easier, support tourism and business, and reflect airBaltic’s commitment to meeting the needs of its passengers. As more people discover the benefits of direct flights, the ties between these regions will only grow stronger.
Whether you’re planning a summer holiday, a business trip, or a visit to family and friends, these new routes offer a faster, simpler, and more enjoyable way to travel. With airBaltic’s strong record of reliability and customer service, travelers can look forward to a smooth journey from Tallinn or Vilnius to the heart of Albania.
For the latest updates and to book your trip, visit the airBaltic official website. If you need information about travel documents or visa requirements, check the European Union Immigration Portal.
As the summer season unfolds, these new flights are set to make a lasting impact on travel, tourism, and business between the Baltics and the Balkans—opening up new possibilities for everyone involved.
Learn Today
airBaltic → A Latvian airline connecting Baltic capitals with regional and European destinations, focusing on passenger convenience.
Baltic Capitals → Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, the main cities connected by airBaltic to Tirana.
Direct Flights → Non-stop airplane routes that connect two destinations without layovers or connecting stops.
Seasonal Operation → Flights operating only during specific months, here from June to September 2025 for summer demand.
Schengen Travel Documents → Standard EU documents allowing free travel among Schengen Area countries, required for Baltic travelers to Albania.
This Article in a Nutshell
airBaltic’s new direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana, launched in June 2025, simplify travel, boost tourism, and enhance regional connectivity between the Baltics and Albania during the summer travel season, offering convenient twice-weekly services starting at €49 one-way.
— By VisaVerge.com
