Key Takeaways
• airBaltic launched direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana in June 2025.
• Flights operate twice weekly with Airbus A220-300, fares from €55–€65 one-way.
• Routes enhance Baltic-Balkan connectivity, boosting tourism, business, and local economies.
On June 2, 2025, airBaltic launched its first-ever direct flight from Tallinn (Estonia 🇪🇪) to Tirana (Albania 🇦🇱), marking a major step in connecting the Baltic and Balkan regions. At the same time, the airline began direct flights from Vilnius (Lithuania 🇱🇹) to Tirana, further expanding its summer network. These new routes are part of airBaltic’s plan to offer more travel options and support growing demand for direct flights between Northern and Southern Europe. The move is expected to benefit tourists, business travelers, and local economies in all three countries.
What’s New: Direct Flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana
Who: airBaltic, the leading airline in the Baltic region
What: Launch of direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana
When: Inaugural flights on June 2, 2025 (Tallinn–Tirana) and early June 2025 (Vilnius–Tirana)
Where: Tallinn Airport (TLL), Vilnius Airport (VNO), Tirana International Airport (TIA)
Why: To improve regional connectivity, support tourism, and meet rising demand for direct travel between the Baltics and the Balkans
How: Twice-weekly flights using modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with fares starting from €55–€65 one-way
These new routes are available for booking on the airBaltic website and through authorized travel agents. The flights are part of the airline’s summer schedule, which runs until late October 2025.
Route Details: Schedules, Fares, and Booking
Tallinn–Tirana Route
- Inaugural flight: June 2, 2025
- Frequency: Twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays)
- Season: Until September 30, 2025
- Aircraft: Airbus A220-300
- Fares: Starting from €65 one-way in Economy class
Vilnius–Tirana Route
- Launch date: Early June 2025
- Frequency: Twice weekly (Fridays and Sundays)
- Season: Until September 30, 2025
- Aircraft: Airbus A220-300
- Fares: Starting from €55 one-way in Economy class
Booking and Availability
- Where to book: airBaltic official website or authorized travel agencies
- Travel period: Summer 2025 schedule, with flights available until late October 2025
- Business Class: Available on select routes, offering premium services and extra comfort
Key tip: Book early to secure the lowest fares and preferred travel dates, especially during the busy summer season.
Step-by-Step: How to Book and Prepare for Your Flight
Booking a flight with airBaltic from Tallinn or Vilnius to Tirana is straightforward. Here’s a simple guide:
- Search for Flights
- Go to the airBaltic website or use a trusted travel agency.
- Select Your Route and Dates
- Choose Tallinn (TLL) or Vilnius (VNO) as your departure city and Tirana (TIA) as your destination.
- Pick from available dates (Tallinn–Tirana: Mondays and Thursdays; Vilnius–Tirana: Fridays and Sundays).
- Choose Your Fare
- Economy fares start from €55 (Vilnius–Tirana) and €65 (Tallinn–Tirana).
- Business Class is available for those seeking extra comfort and services.
- Complete Your Booking
- Enter passenger details, select any extra services (like baggage or meals), and pay securely online.
- Check-In and Travel
- Online check-in opens 36 hours before departure.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Pro tip: Always check the latest travel requirements for Albania 🇦🇱, Estonia 🇪🇪, and Lithuania 🇱🇹 before your trip. Official government websites, such as the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, provide up-to-date information on entry rules and visa requirements.
Why These Routes Matter: Regional Connectivity and Economic Impact
The launch of direct flights between Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tirana is more than just a convenience for travelers. It represents a big step forward in connecting the Baltic and Balkan regions, which have not had many direct air links in the past. This improved connectivity brings several important benefits:
Boosting Tourism
- Easier Access: Direct flights make it much simpler for tourists from Estonia 🇪🇪 and Lithuania 🇱🇹 to visit Albania 🇦🇱, a country known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and affordable prices.
- Growing Interest: Albania 🇦🇱 has become a popular destination for travelers seeking new experiences in Southern Europe. Direct flights are expected to increase visitor numbers from the Baltics.
- Return Travel: The new routes also make it easier for Albanians to visit Estonia 🇪🇪 and Lithuania 🇱🇹, supporting two-way tourism.
Supporting Business and Trade
- Faster Connections: Business travelers can now reach Tirana from Tallinn or Vilnius without long layovers or connecting flights, saving time and money.
- New Opportunities: Improved air links encourage companies to explore new markets, attend meetings, and build partnerships across regions.
- Economic Growth: Increased travel supports local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and service providers in all three countries.
Strengthening Local Airports
- Tallinn and Vilnius: The new routes help Tallinn and Vilnius airports attract more passengers and airlines, making them stronger regional hubs.
- Tirana: As Albania 🇦🇱 continues to grow as a tourist destination, direct flights from the Baltics help Tirana International Airport expand its reach.
airBaltic’s Strategy: Growth, Modernization, and Service
airBaltic has been steadily growing its network from the Baltic capitals—Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius—over the past decade. The airline’s approach focuses on:
- Targeting Underserved Routes: airBaltic looks for routes with high demand but few direct flights, like Tallinn–Tirana and Vilnius–Tirana.
- Modern Fleet: The airline uses the Airbus A220-300, known for its comfort, efficiency, and lower environmental impact. Passengers enjoy free high-speed SpaceX Starlink internet on board.
- Competitive Fares: By keeping prices affordable, airBaltic attracts both leisure and business travelers.
- Expanding Network: For summer 2025, airBaltic is launching 13 new routes, including seven from Vilnius—a record for the airline at this base.
Martin Gauss, CEO of airBaltic, explained, “As we continue to grow, we aim to provide the best connectivity to and from all three Baltic capitals. When evaluating which destinations to launch, we look for the most demanded among local passengers, providing additional contribution to local airports and offering new travel opportunities.”
By the Numbers: airBaltic’s Recent Performance
airBaltic’s expansion is backed by strong passenger growth and operational success:
- April 2025: 410,138 passengers carried (up 12% year-over-year)
- Flights Operated: 3,958 in April 2025, with a load factor of 77.8% (meaning most seats were filled)
- Flight Regularity: 99.6% of flights operated as scheduled
- Q1 2025: 994,987 passengers transported—the highest ever for this period
These numbers show that demand for air travel in the region is rising, and airBaltic is well-positioned to meet it.
Perspectives: What Stakeholders Are Saying
Lithuanian Airports
Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports, shared, “We clearly see that airBaltic could become the second-largest airline in Lithuania’s airport network in terms of passengers served as early as next year, which would be a great achievement for both the airline and us in building long-term partnerships and improving Lithuania’s overall connectivity.”
Aviation Experts
Aviation analysts note that airBaltic’s expansion fits with the European Union’s Aviation Strategy, which aims to improve regional air links and support sustainable transport. The new routes respond to growing demand for direct flights between the Baltics and Southern Europe, especially as tourism recovers after the pandemic.
Tourism and Business Leaders
Tourism boards in Albania 🇦🇱, Estonia 🇪🇪, and Lithuania 🇱🇹 expect more visitors and economic benefits from the new connections. Business groups welcome the shorter travel times and lower costs for meetings and trade.
Background: airBaltic’s Growth Story
airBaltic has built a reputation for connecting the Baltic region with the rest of Europe. Over the past ten years, the airline has:
- Added new destinations in both Western and Eastern Europe
- Focused on routes that are not well served by other airlines
- Invested in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet
- Offered competitive fares and high-quality service
The launch of direct flights to Tirana is part of a larger summer 2025 expansion, which also includes new routes to cities like Prague, Chisinau, Ibiza, Rhodes, Tel Aviv, and Valencia.
Practical Information: What Travelers Need to Know
Travel Requirements
Before booking, travelers should check the latest entry rules for Albania 🇦🇱, Estonia 🇪🇪, and Lithuania 🇱🇹. Requirements can change, especially regarding passports, visas, and health documents. For official information, visit the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or the Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Airport Services
- Tallinn Airport: Modern facilities, easy access to city center, and efficient security checks
- Vilnius Airport: Good public transport links, shops, and lounges
- Tirana International Airport: Recently expanded, with improved passenger services and transport options
Onboard Experience
- Airbus A220-300: Spacious seating, large windows, quiet cabins
- Free Wi-Fi: High-speed internet provided by SpaceX Starlink
- Food and Drinks: Buy snacks and meals on board, or pre-order special meals
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for airBaltic and Regional Travel
Route Performance
If the Tallinn–Tirana and Vilnius–Tirana routes prove popular, airBaltic may extend them beyond September 2025 or increase the number of weekly flights. The airline is also likely to consider more destinations in the Balkans and Southern Europe as demand grows.
Fleet and Service Upgrades
airBaltic plans to double its Airbus A220-300 fleet in the coming years, making it one of the youngest and most modern in Europe. The airline will continue to improve passenger comfort and expand its use of in-flight high-speed internet.
Impact on Travelers
For travelers, these changes mean:
- More direct flight options between the Baltics and Southern Europe
- Shorter travel times and fewer layovers
- Competitive fares and better onboard services
How This Affects Immigration and Mobility
While these new routes are not immigration programs themselves, they have a real impact on how people move between countries. Easier air travel supports:
- Short-term visits: Tourists, students, and business travelers can plan trips more easily.
- Family connections: People with relatives in different countries can visit more often.
- Work and study: Professionals and students have more options for travel related to jobs or education.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, improved air links often lead to more cross-border movement, which can influence future visa policies and cooperation between countries. For example, if more people travel between Estonia 🇪🇪, Lithuania 🇱🇹, and Albania 🇦🇱, governments may look for ways to simplify entry rules or create new agreements to support mobility.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the latest information on flights, schedules, and travel requirements, use these official resources:
- airBaltic Official Website: Booking, schedules, customer support
- Tallinn Airport: Airport services and updates
- Vilnius Airport: Lithuanian airport information
- Tirana International Airport: Arrival and departure details
- Estonian Police and Border Guard Board: Entry and visa requirements for Estonia 🇪🇪
If you need a visa for Albania 🇦🇱, Estonia 🇪🇪, or Lithuania 🇱🇹, check the official government websites for up-to-date forms and instructions. For Schengen visa information, visit the European Union’s official immigration portal.
Takeaways and Next Steps
- Book early: Secure the best fares and travel dates for summer 2025.
- Check travel requirements: Make sure you have the right documents before flying.
- Watch for updates: airBaltic may extend or add more routes if demand stays high.
- Enjoy new connections: The Tallinn–Tirana and Vilnius–Tirana flights open up exciting travel and business opportunities.
These new direct flights mark a positive change for travelers and businesses in the Baltics and the Balkans. With modern planes, affordable fares, and improved services, airBaltic is making it easier than ever to connect Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tirana. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a business trip, or a family visit, these routes offer more choices and greater convenience for everyone.
Learn Today
Direct Flights → Nonstop air routes between two airports without layovers or connections.
Airbus A220-300 → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft model used by airBaltic for regional flights.
Baltic Region → Northern European countries including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania near the Baltic Sea.
Booking → The process of reserving seats for a flight via airline or travel agents.
Load Factor → Percentage measure of seats filled on a flight, indicating operational efficiency.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 2, 2025, airBaltic began twice-weekly direct flights from Tallinn and Vilnius to Tirana. These routes improve travel between the Baltics and Balkans, offering affordable fares on modern aircraft and supporting regional tourism and business growth until at least late October 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
