Key Takeaways
• Vlora International Airport opens summer 2025, boosting Albania’s Riviera accessibility and tourism.
• Runway is 3.2 km, largest in Balkans, accommodating large aircraft like Airbus A330 and Boeing 777.
• Investment totals €104 million; over 100 jobs created initially; Flughafen München operates the airport.
Albania’s Riviera Prepares for Takeoff: Vlora International Airport Nears Opening
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Vlora International Airport, a major new gateway for Albania’s Riviera, is on the verge of opening after several delays. The airport, located near the city of Vlora on Albania’s southern coast, is designed to transform the region by making it much easier for international travelers to reach the country’s famous beaches and cultural sites. The Albanian government, led by Prime Minister Edi Rama, has promoted the airport as a game-changer for tourism and economic growth. Although the first commercial flights were originally planned for early May 2025, the official opening has been pushed back due to ongoing certification and operational readiness checks. The first commercial flights are now expected in summer 2025, with full operations by the end of the year.
Why is Vlora International Airport Important?
The Albanian Riviera, stretching along the Ionian Sea, is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and historic towns. However, the region has long struggled with poor accessibility. Most international visitors have had to fly into Tirana International Airport, then travel several hours by road to reach the Riviera. This has limited tourism growth and made it harder for local businesses to benefit from international visitors.
Vlora International Airport is intended to solve this problem. By providing direct international flights to the southern coast, the airport will make it much easier for tourists to visit Albania’s Riviera. This is expected to double the number of tourists, create new jobs, and encourage investment in hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
Latest Developments: Delays and Final Preparations
As of June 2025, Vlora International Airport is in its final construction phase. The runway, terminal, and supporting infrastructure are mostly complete. The airport is being built by a consortium that includes Swiss-based Mabco Constructions (Mabetex Group), Turkish YDA Group, and Kosovo-based 2A Group, under a contract worth €104 million (about $109 million).
The airport’s operator will be Flughafen München, the company that runs Munich Airport in Germany. This brings international expertise to the project and is expected to help ensure high standards of service and safety.
The terminal has been expanded from the original plan of 5,000 square meters to between 22,000 and 25,000 square meters. The runway is 3.2 kilometers long, making it the largest in the Balkans and able to handle large planes like the Airbus A330-340 and Boeing 777. The airport also includes solar panels that generate 5.2 megawatt-hours of renewable energy each day, showing a commitment to eco-friendly operations.
Key Facts and Figures
- Investment: €104 million (approx. $109 million)
- Area: 309 hectares
- Runway: 3.2 km (2.0 miles), 2.5 meters above sea level for flood protection
- Terminal Size: 22,000–25,000 m²
- Projected Passengers: Over 1 million in the first year
- Tourism Growth: 30% increase in visitors to the region in early 2025 compared to 2024
- Job Creation: Over 100 direct jobs in the first recruitment phase
Who Will Fly to Vlora International Airport?
Air Albania and Air Kosova are expected to be among the first airlines to operate flights to and from Vlora International Airport. Budget airlines like Ryanair and WizzAir are also expected to announce routes, but as of June 2025, no official routes have been confirmed. The airport’s large runway means it can handle both short-haul and long-haul flights, opening up the possibility of direct connections to many European cities and beyond.
How Will the Airport Affect Tourism and the Local Economy?
The Albanian government sees Vlora International Airport as a key part of its plan to double the number of tourists visiting the country. The goal is to position the Riviera as a Mediterranean destination that can compete with places like Italy’s Amalfi Coast or France’s Côte d’Azur. By making it easier for international travelers to reach the southern coast, the airport is expected to:
- Increase tourist arrivals: More direct flights mean more visitors, especially from countries that previously had no easy way to reach the Riviera.
- Create jobs: The airport itself is hiring over 100 staff, and the growth in tourism is expected to create many more jobs in hotels, restaurants, and transportation.
- Boost local businesses: More tourists mean more customers for local shops, tour operators, and service providers.
- Encourage investment: Improved infrastructure is likely to attract new investment in hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses.
Environmental Concerns and Sustainability
While the airport promises economic benefits, it has also raised concerns among environmental groups. The airport is located near the Vjosa Wild River National Park, an area known for its unique wildlife and natural beauty. Environmental advocates have called for careful management to ensure that the airport’s operations do not harm the park or the surrounding ecosystem.
To address these concerns, the airport includes several sustainability features, such as solar panels for renewable energy. The runway is built 2.5 meters above sea level to protect against flooding, and the design aims to minimize the impact on local habitats. However, environmental groups continue to monitor the project and are calling for strict oversight to balance development with conservation.
Step-by-Step: How the Airport is Being Launched
- Construction and Certification: Construction began in late 2021, with the runway, terminal, and support facilities built in phases. Certification flights, such as the recent Air Arabia landing, are part of the process to ensure the airport meets all safety and operational standards.
- Recruitment: The airport started hiring staff in March 2025, with more than 100 positions in areas like air traffic control, security, and ground services.
- Operational Launch: The first commercial flights, originally planned for May 2025, have been delayed. The new target is summer 2025, pending final certification and regulatory approvals.
- Route Development: Airlines will announce new routes based on market demand and the airport’s readiness. As of June 2025, no official routes have been confirmed.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Who Benefits and Who is Concerned?
- Albanian Government: Sees the airport as a way to boost economic growth, develop tourism, and better connect the region to Europe and beyond.
- Local Businesses: Expect more tourists and new business opportunities, from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and taxi services.
- Environmental Groups: Worry about the impact on the Vjosa Wild River National Park and call for sustainable development and strict environmental controls.
- Airlines: See new market opportunities and the chance to establish regional hubs.
- International Operators: Flughafen München can showcase its expertise and expand into the Balkan market.
- Tourists: Will have easier, faster, and possibly cheaper access to Albania’s Riviera.
Background: Why Was Vlora International Airport Built?
The idea for Vlora International Airport came from the need to unlock the tourism potential of Albania’s southern coast. The Riviera is famous for its natural beauty, but poor transport links have kept visitor numbers low. The government wanted to reduce pressure on Tirana International Airport and make it easier for tourists to reach the Riviera directly.
Construction started in late 2021, but the project has faced several delays. The airport is now expected to open for commercial flights in summer 2025, with full operations by the end of the year. When it opens, Vlora International Airport will be Albania’s third international airport, after Tirana and Kukës, and will serve as the “southern air gateway” to the Riviera.
What Does the Future Hold?
Looking ahead, the airport is expected to drive a sustained increase in visitor numbers. Projections suggest over 1 million passengers will use the airport in its first year. This growth is likely to encourage more investment in hotels, resorts, and supporting infrastructure along the Riviera. Improved connectivity will also make it easier for Albanians living abroad to visit family and for business travelers to reach the region.
However, the airport’s future will also depend on how well it balances economic growth with environmental protection. Ongoing monitoring by environmental groups may influence future expansion and operational practices.
Political and Social Context
The opening of Vlora International Airport has been a major talking point in Albanian politics. Prime Minister Edi Rama and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku have both promoted the project as a symbol of progress and modernization. However, delays have led to criticism from opposition parties and some members of the public. Political commentators note that the airport’s opening has been used as a political tool ahead of elections, and the delays reflect the complexity of large-scale infrastructure projects in Albania.
How Will the Airport Change Travel to Albania’s Riviera?
For travelers, the biggest change will be convenience. Instead of flying into Tirana and spending hours on the road, visitors will be able to land directly on the Riviera. This is expected to make Albania a more attractive destination for tourists from across Europe and beyond.
- Faster access: Direct flights mean less travel time and more time to enjoy the beaches and sights.
- More choices: With more airlines expected to operate from Vlora International Airport, travelers will have more options and possibly lower fares.
- Better infrastructure: The airport is part of a broader plan to upgrade roads and urban areas, making travel smoother and more comfortable.
Economic Impact: Jobs and Investment
The airport is already creating jobs, with over 100 people hired in the first phase. As tourism grows, more jobs will be created in hotels, restaurants, transport, and other sectors. Local businesses are preparing for a surge in customers, and investors are looking at opportunities to build new hotels and resorts.
Economic analysts see the airport as a catalyst for regional development. By attracting more visitors and investment, the airport can help diversify Albania’s economy and reduce its reliance on traditional industries.
Environmental Protection: A Balancing Act
The airport’s location near the Vjosa Wild River National Park means that environmental protection will be an ongoing challenge. The project includes features like solar panels and flood-resistant design, but environmental groups want to see strict rules and regular monitoring to protect the area’s unique wildlife and natural beauty.
Tourism experts say that sustainable tourism practices will be key to the airport’s long-term success. This means encouraging responsible travel, protecting natural resources, and involving local communities in decision-making.
What Should Travelers and Businesses Expect Next?
- Travelers: Should watch for announcements from airlines about new routes to Vlora International Airport. Once commercial flights begin, it will be much easier to reach Albania’s Riviera.
- Businesses: Should prepare for increased demand and look for opportunities to serve new customers. This could include expanding services, hiring more staff, or investing in new facilities.
- Local Communities: Will need to work with government and business leaders to ensure that tourism growth benefits everyone and does not harm the environment.
Official Resources and Further Information
For the latest updates on Vlora International Airport, travelers and businesses can visit the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy’s official website. This site provides news, official statements, and contact information for those seeking more details about the airport and related projects.
Conclusion: A New Era for Albania’s Riviera
Vlora International Airport is set to transform southern Albania by making the Riviera more accessible to international travelers. With significant investment, expanded facilities, and strong government support, the airport is expected to double tourist numbers, create jobs, and encourage economic growth. At the same time, careful management will be needed to protect the region’s unique environment and ensure that development is sustainable.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the coming months will be critical as the airport moves toward full commercial operations. Travelers, businesses, and local communities should prepare for big changes—and new opportunities—as Albania’s Riviera prepares for takeoff.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Travelers: Monitor airline announcements for new routes to Vlora International Airport and plan trips accordingly.
- Businesses: Get ready for increased demand and explore ways to benefit from the expected tourism boom.
- Local Authorities: Continue working with environmental groups to ensure sustainable development.
- All Stakeholders: Stay informed through official channels and be ready to adapt as the region enters a new era of growth and opportunity.
For more information on Albania’s tourism and infrastructure projects, visit the Albanian National Tourism Agency.
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Learn Today
Vlora International Airport → A new airport near Vlora city boosting Albania’s southern coast tourism with modern facilities and large capacity.
Runway → The surface on which aircraft take off and land; Vlora’s runway is 3.2 km long, the largest in the Balkans.
Certification → Official approval ensuring the airport meets safety and operational standards before opening for commercial flights.
Flughafen München → The German company operating Munich Airport, managing Vlora Airport to ensure high service and safety standards.
Renewable Energy → Energy from sustainable sources; Vlora Airport uses solar panels producing 5.2 MWh daily to reduce environmental impact.
This Article in a Nutshell
Vlora International Airport will transform Albania’s Riviera tourism with direct flights, a 3.2 km runway, and eco-friendly features. Delays pushed the opening to summer 2025. The project promises over one million passengers in year one, creating jobs and boosting the local economy while balancing environmental concerns near Vjosa park.
— By VisaVerge.com
