list of airports in Albania
Albania, a hidden gem in Southeastern Europe, is rapidly growing in popularity as a tourist destination. From its stunning coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to its rugged mountains and historical sites, Albania offers a diverse range of experiences. Getting to and around this beautiful country is becoming increasingly easier, thanks to the development of its airport infrastructure. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Albania, helping you plan your journey with ease.
Current Airports in Albania
Albania currently has four airports, each serving different purposes and regions. While Tirana International Airport is the primary international gateway, the others cater to domestic flights, general aviation, and are poised for future expansion. Let’s take a closer look:
| Airport Name | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Location | Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza | TIA | WLTN | Tirana | International | Commercial & Military |
| Kukës International Airport "Zayed – Bin Zayed Al Nahyan" | KUK | BKKE | Kukës | International | Commercial (limited) |
| Korçë Airport | KOR | WLAQ | Korçë | Domestic | Domestic & General Aviation |
| Vlorë Airport | VLR | LVVL | Vlorë | Domestic | General Aviation |
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Tirana International Airport, named after Mother Teresa, is the largest and busiest airport in Albania. Located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Tirana, it serves as the main international hub for the country.
- Airlines: A wide range of airlines operate at TIA, including Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air Albania.
- Destinations: The airport connects Albania to numerous destinations across Europe, as well as some Middle Eastern and North African cities.
- Facilities: TIA offers modern facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental services, and comfortable waiting areas. Recent renovations have significantly improved the passenger experience.
- Transportation: Buses and taxis provide convenient transportation between the airport and Tirana city center. Car rental options are also readily available.
Kukës International Airport "Zayed – Bin Zayed Al Nahyan" (KUK)
Opened in 2021, Kukës International Airport is a relatively new addition to Albania’s aviation infrastructure. Funded by the UAE, it aims to boost tourism and economic development in the northern region of Albania.
- Airlines: Currently, Wizz Air operates flights from Kukës to several European destinations.
- Destinations: Primarily focuses on routes to Western European cities, catering to the Albanian diaspora.
- Facilities: The airport is modern and well-equipped, though smaller than TIA.
- Transportation: Transportation options to and from Kukës city are limited but improving, with bus services and taxis available.
Korçë Airport (KOR)
Korçë Airport is a domestic airport located near the city of Korçë in southeastern Albania. It primarily serves domestic flights and general aviation.
- Airlines: Air Albania operates domestic flights to Tirana.
- Destinations: Currently, the main destination served is Tirana.
- Facilities: A smaller airport with basic facilities.
- Transportation: Taxis are the most convenient way to travel between the airport and Korçë city.
Vlorë Airport (VLR)
Vlorë Airport is a domestic airport located near the coastal city of Vlorë. It is primarily used for general aviation, private flights, and potentially future domestic routes.
- Airlines: Currently, no scheduled commercial flights operate from Vlorë Airport.
- Destinations: Primarily serves private and charter flights.
- Facilities: A small airport with limited facilities.
- Transportation: Taxis are the primary mode of transport to and from Vlorë city.
Future Developments & Expansion
Albania is actively investing in its airport infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Plans are underway to expand the capacity of both Tirana and Kukës International Airports. There’s also discussion about potentially developing Vlorë Airport to handle more commercial traffic, further boosting tourism to the Albanian Riviera.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which airport is the main international airport in Albania?
A: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) is the main international airport.
Q: Can I fly directly to Kukës from the US?
A: No, there are currently no direct flights from the US to Kukës. You would need to connect through a European airport.
Q: Is it easy to get from Korçë Airport to the city center?
A: Yes, taxis are readily available and provide a convenient transfer to Korçë city center.
Q: Are there plans to expand Vlorë Airport?
A: Yes, there are discussions about developing Vlorë Airport to handle more commercial flights in the future.
Q: What airlines fly to Tirana International Airport?
A: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Air Albania are among the airlines that fly to Tirana.
