Vlora Airport set to launch flights ahead of summer tourism season
Vlora International Airport is scheduled to begin its first flights by mid-April 2024, just in time for Albania’s busy tourism season. The construction company responsible for the project has assured that all work will be completed by April 15, paving the way for full operations.
Why is this important: Albania has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals over the past two years, with Tirana’s Rinas Airport emerging as one of Europe’s fastest-growing airports in passenger numbers. In August alone, Rinas handled 1.2 million tourists. The addition of a second major airport has become a necessity, especially as Vlora Airport is set to handle transoceanic flights, further boosting Albania’s connectivity and tourism sector.
Context: Construction of Vlora Airport began three years ago. When complete, the facility will feature a 3.2-kilometer runway and a 25,000-square-meter passenger terminal. The project’s next phase includes final certification to meet international aviation standards under the supervision of Munich International Airport, the operator managing Vlora’s operations.
The Albanian Minister of Infrastructure and Energy has announced that local and international travel agencies have already started booking flights to and from Vlora. The airport is expected to become a major economic driver for the region, offering new opportunities for tourism and trade.
In addition to preparing the airport for its launch, authorities are gearing up to recruit staff. The Civil Aviation Authority is collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to establish an academy aimed at training professionals for Albania’s burgeoning aviation sector.
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