Turkish Airlines has recently announced plans to expand flights from Tirana, Albania to various destinations in Turkey. This decision comes after the airline’s choice to sell its 49% stake in Air Albania, which had previously been the main operator for routes to Turkey at the Tirana airport.
Starting January 23, Turkish Airlines will offer flights from Tirana to Istanbul, Antalya, Nevsehir, Izmir, and Gaziantep, as stated on their website. This expansion of routes is expected to provide more travel options and convenience for passengers.
Last month, Turkish Airlines made the decision to exit Air Albania amidst reports of the airline facing bankruptcy. This move was followed by the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority suspending Air Albania’s license due to non-compliance with civil aviation laws and regulations.
Air Albania was established on May 16, 2018, as a public-private partnership between Albania and Turkey. Turkish Airlines held the majority stake of 49. 12%, while the remaining shares were divided between the Albanian state-owned company Albcontrol (~10%) and a private Albanian company, MDN Investment (~41%).
The airline had ambitious plans for expansion, including routes to Italy and Britain, which were temporarily realized, as well as plans to offer flights to the USA. These plans were heavily promoted by the Albanian government, with Prime Minister Rama announcing in a meeting with the diaspora in the USA in October 2024 that talks were underway with Air Albania to establish a direct flight to the US.
However, with the recent developments and the suspension of its license, the future of Air Albania is uncertain. In the meantime, Turkish Airlines is stepping in to fill the gap, offering more options for travelers looking to fly between Tirana and Turkey.
This move by Turkish Airlines is expected to have a positive impact on both the Albanian and Turkish tourism industries, as well as strengthening the economic ties between the two countries. The new flights are set to begin in just a few weeks, providing a much-needed boost to the air travel industry in the region.