lora International Airport to open in early May with inaugural Air Albania flight

Albania’s newest international gateway, Vlora International Airport, is set to officially open in the first days of May, marking a significant milestone for southern Albania’s infrastructure and tourism industry. The announcement was made by Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, who confirmed that the inaugural flight will be operated by the national airline, Air Albania.

Why is this important: The airport is expected to become a key hub for tourism and economic development in the southern region, opening access to one of Albania’s most visited coastal areas. Its scale and strategic location promise to transform regional travel and logistics.

Context: Balluku emphasized that the airport will feature the largest runway in the Balkans, measuring 3.2 kilometers, and a terminal of 22,000 square meters—four times larger than the 5,000-square-meter facility originally planned.

“Today, we are just days away from the first aircraft landing at Vlora Airport. In early May, Air Albania will make the inaugural flight, touching down on the biggest runway in the Balkans, with a 22,000-square-meter terminal,” Balluku said.

She noted that the scale of the terminal was expanded in response to long-term projections that show significant tourism growth in the region. According to Balluku, the number of visitors in the first four months of 2025 has already increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2024.

What else: The opening of Vlora International Airport is part of a broader national strategy to expand Albania’s air transport capacity and attract more foreign tourists. With rising demand, the airport is positioned to become a central player in the country’s growing tourism economy.