TIRANA, Sept 22 /ATA/ Civil aviation in Albania continues to grow steadily, cementing its position as the country’s key gateway year after year.

According to projections by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Albania is expected to reach an air passenger flow of 21.6 million by 2040, up from 784,600 passengers passing through Rinas Airport in 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, announced that the international airports of Tirana, Vlora, Kukës, and soon Gjirokastër, are positioning Albania like never before on the map of tourism and international connections.

"ICAO projects that Albania will handle 21.6 million air passengers by 2040. Civil aviation is growing year after year, becoming the country’s main gateway, and thus remains our top priority. Tirana, Vlora, Kukës, and soon Gjirokastër airports are positioning Albania like never before, reaching record numbers of visitors," Balluku stated.

In recent years, Albania has seen a significant increase in visitors and air passengers, reaching record numbers compared to previous years. The number of passengers passing through Rinas Airport from January to August this year grew by 9% compared to the same period last year, exceeding 7.8 million passengers. During this period, 42,462 flights were operated, marking a 2% increase compared to the first eight months of 2024. Flights from Tirana reached 137 destinations. 

/j.p/sm/