Albania’s New Airport Set to Boost Riviera Tourism and Development

Key Takeaways

• Vlora International Airport opens in summer 2025, boosting Albania’s southern coast connectivity and tourism.
• Airport managed by Flughafen München, with a 3.2 km runway and serving over 1 million passengers first year.
• Expected 76% increase in accommodation capacity by 2030; creates up to 100 airport jobs immediately.

Albania’s southern coast is about to experience a major transformation with the opening of Vlora International Airport. Set to welcome its first commercial flights in the summer of 2025, and with a grand opening planned for March 2025, this new airport is expected to change how people travel to the Albanian Riviera and the wider region. The project is not just about building a new airport—it’s about connecting Albania 🇦🇱 to the rest of Europe, boosting tourism, creating jobs, and supporting the country’s economic growth. Here’s a detailed look at what Vlora International Airport means for Albania 🇦🇱, the people who live and work there, and travelers from around the world.

What Is Happening? The Key Facts

Vlora International Airport is being built about 10 kilometers north of Vlora city, right next to the beautiful Vjosa Wild River National Park. The airport covers 309 hectares and will have a 3.2-kilometer runway, which means it can handle large planes like the Airbus A330-340 and Boeing 777. The terminal will be between 20,000 and 25,000 square meters, and the airport is expected to serve over 1 million passengers in its first year.

The airport is being managed by Flughafen München, the company that runs Munich Airport in Germany 🇩🇪. This partnership is important because it brings international experience and high standards to the project. Construction started in late 2021 and is now in its final stages, with the runway, terminal, and other buildings almost finished. Recruitment for up to 100 staff positions began in March 2025, showing that the airport is getting ready to start operations.

Why Is Vlora International Airport Important?

The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku, has made it clear that this airport is a top priority. They believe it will help the country’s southern coast, especially the Albanian Riviera, become a major tourist destination. The Riviera is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear blue water, and charming towns, but until now, it has been hard for many tourists to reach.

With the new airport, visitors from Germany 🇩🇪, Switzerland 🇨🇭, Italy 🇮🇹, and other European countries will be able to fly directly to the region. This will make it much easier for tourists to visit, especially during the busy summer months. Airlines like Air Albania and Air Kosova are expected to be among the first to offer flights, focusing on popular routes to and from these countries.

How Will the Airport Affect the Albanian Riviera?

The Albanian Riviera is one of the country’s most attractive regions, known for its natural beauty and growing tourism industry. However, getting there has often required long drives from Tirana or other cities. The opening of Vlora International Airport will change this by providing a direct “southern air gateway” to the coast.

Key benefits for the Albanian Riviera include:

• Easier Access: Tourists can fly straight to the region, reducing travel time and making it more appealing for short trips and weekend getaways.
• More Visitors: With better access, the number of tourists is expected to rise, especially from Western Europe.
• Longer Tourist Seasons: The airport will help extend the tourist season beyond the summer months, as flights can be scheduled year-round.
• New Business Opportunities: Local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators will benefit from more visitors and longer seasons.

According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the airport is expected to drive a 76% increase in accommodation capacity by 2030, as the government encourages investment in new hotels and resorts.

Who Is Involved in the Project?

Several important groups are working together to make Vlora International Airport a reality:

• Albanian Government: Prime Minister Edi Rama and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku have been strong supporters, seeing the airport as a way to modernize the country and attract more tourists.
• Flughafen München: As the airport operator, this company brings experience from running one of Europe’s busiest airports, Flughafen München (Munich Airport).
• Construction Consortium: The building work is being led by Mabco Constructions (part of the Mabetex Group), YDA Group from Turkey 🇹🇷, and 2A Group from Kosovo 🇽🇰.
• Airlines: Air Albania and Air Kosova are expected to be the first airlines to operate from the new airport, with more carriers likely to join as demand grows.

What Are the Economic and Social Impacts?

The airport is a big investment, with a total value of €104 million. The government hopes this will pay off by bringing more tourists and money into the country. Here are some of the main ways the airport will affect the economy and local communities:

• Job Creation: Up to 100 jobs are being created at the airport itself, with many more expected in hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that serve tourists.
• Tourism Revenue: The government wants to double the number of tourists and increase tourism revenue to €6.7 billion by 2030.
• Regional Growth: The airport will help not just Vlora, but also nearby towns like Saranda and Gjirokastër, by making them easier to reach.
• GDP Growth: Economic experts predict a 3.9% increase in Albania’s 🇦🇱 GDP in 2025, with tourism and construction as the main drivers.

How Is the Airport Being Built and Operated?

The construction of Vlora International Airport began in late 2021. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the 2019 earthquake, work has moved quickly. The main steps in the process are:

1. Building the Terminal and Runway: The terminal is almost finished, and the 3.2-kilometer runway is designed to handle large international flights.
2. Hiring Staff: Recruitment for up to 100 positions started in March 2025, covering everything from security and baggage handling to customer service and management.
3. Setting Up Airline Partnerships: Air Albania and Air Kosova are preparing to launch the first routes, with more airlines expected to follow.
4. Getting Ready for Operations: The airport will start with a few flights in the summer of 2025, then move to full-scale operations in March 2025.

Flughafen München is in charge of making sure the airport meets international standards for safety, efficiency, and customer service.

What About the Environment?

One of the biggest concerns about the new airport is its location near the Vjosa Wild River National Park. Environmental groups have raised questions about how the airport might affect the park’s unique plants and animals. In response, the airport’s design includes several features to reduce its impact:

• Solar Panels: The airport will use solar panels to generate 5.2 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy, helping to lower its carbon footprint.
• Sustainable Design: Efforts are being made to use eco-friendly materials and limit pollution.
• Ongoing Monitoring: Environmental groups are keeping a close watch to make sure the airport’s operations do not harm the park.

While some environmentalists remain cautious, many agree that the steps being taken are a good start. The government has promised to keep working with experts to protect the area’s natural beauty.

How Does This Fit into Albania’s Bigger Plans?

Vlora International Airport is part of a larger effort to modernize Albania’s 🇦🇱 infrastructure and make the country more attractive to tourists and investors. After the 2019 earthquake and the challenges of the pandemic, the government has focused on rebuilding and improving roads, airports, and other key facilities.

Other important points include:

• Third International Airport: Vlora International Airport will be Albania’s third international airport, after Tirana and Kukës.
• Future Expansion: There are already plans for a fourth airport near Saranda, which would further improve access to the southern coast.
• Tourism Strategy: The National Tourism Strategy 2024–2030 aims to keep growing the tourism sector, with a focus on sustainability and regional development.

What Are the Main Challenges and Concerns?

While there is a lot of excitement about the new airport, there are also some challenges and concerns:

• Environmental Impact: As mentioned earlier, the airport’s location near a national park means that careful management is needed to protect the environment.
• Managing Growth: Rapid increases in tourism can put pressure on local infrastructure, such as roads, water supplies, and waste management.
• Balancing Development and Tradition: Some people worry that too much development could change the character of the Albanian Riviera, which is known for its unspoiled beauty and traditional villages.

The government and airport operators say they are aware of these issues and are working to find the right balance between growth and preservation.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For travelers, the opening of Vlora International Airport brings several advantages:

• Direct Flights: No more long drives from Tirana or other cities—tourists can fly straight to the heart of the Albanian Riviera.
• More Choices: With new airlines and routes, travelers will have more options for when and how they visit Albania 🇦🇱.
• Better Facilities: The airport will offer modern amenities, making travel easier and more comfortable.

For those interested in the latest updates or looking for official information about the airport and its opening, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy provides news and resources.

What’s Next for Vlora International Airport and the Region?

Looking ahead, the airport is expected to play a key role in Albania’s 🇦🇱 future. The government’s goal is to make the country a top destination in the Balkans and to attract more private investment in hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses. The airport will also help connect Albania 🇦🇱 to the rest of Europe, making it easier for people to visit, work, and do business.

Key developments to watch for:

• Tourism Growth: The airport is expected to help increase the number of tourists, especially from Germany 🇩🇪, Switzerland 🇨🇭, and Italy 🇮🇹.
• New Hotels and Resorts: With more visitors, there will be more demand for places to stay, leading to new investments in the region.
• Improved Infrastructure: The airport is part of a wider push to improve roads, public transport, and other services in southern Albania 🇦🇱.

Practical Steps for Stakeholders

If you are a business owner, job seeker, or traveler interested in the opportunities created by Vlora International Airport, here are some practical steps to consider:

• For Job Seekers: Watch for recruitment announcements from the airport and related businesses. Up to 100 positions are being filled, with more expected as tourism grows.
• For Businesses: Consider how increased tourism could benefit your business, whether you run a hotel, restaurant, or tour company.
• For Travelers: Plan your trips for summer 2025 or later to take advantage of new direct flights and improved access to the Albanian Riviera.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Albania’s Southern Coast

The opening of Vlora International Airport marks a major step forward for Albania 🇦🇱 and the Albanian Riviera. With modern facilities, international management by Flughafen München, and strong government support, the airport is set to boost tourism, create jobs, and drive economic growth. At the same time, careful attention to environmental protection and sustainable development will be needed to ensure that the region’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the airport’s impact will be felt not just in Vlora, but across the entire southern coast, supporting Albania’s goal of becoming a leading destination in the region. Whether you are a traveler looking for new adventures, a business owner seeking new opportunities, or a local resident hoping for a brighter future, Vlora International Airport is set to play a key role in shaping the next chapter of Albania’s story.

For more information and official updates, visit the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

Key Terms Explained:

• Vlora International Airport: The new airport near Vlora, Albania 🇦🇱, opening in 2025.
• Albanian Riviera: The southern coastal region of Albania 🇦🇱, known for its beaches and tourism.
• Flughafen München: The German company managing the new airport, also known as Munich Airport.

Takeaway: Vlora International Airport is more than just a new travel hub—it’s a symbol of Albania’s 🇦🇱 growth, ambition, and commitment to connecting with the world while protecting its unique natural treasures.

Learn Today

Vlora International Airport → New airport near Vlora, Albania, opening 2025 to improve travel and tourism access.
Albanian Riviera → Scenic southern Albanian coast known for beaches, natural beauty, and growing tourism.
Flughafen München → German company operating Munich Airport, managing Vlora International Airport for high standards.
Runway → A 3.2-kilometer strip at the airport where large planes take off and land.
Solar Panels → Devices that generate renewable energy from sunlight, used at Vlora Airport to reduce emissions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vlora International Airport, opening in 2025, will transform Albania’s southern coast by boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth. Managed by Flughafen München, it features a large runway and modern facilities. This project enhances direct flight access to the Albanian Riviera and supports sustainable regional development.
— By VisaVerge.com