Albania's aviation sector soars: Passenger traffic surges

Tirana, June 8, 2024 - Albania has emerged as the top destination for passenger air traffic in April 2024, according to the International Airports Council. This significant growth is attributed to the country's efforts to develop its aviation sector, which has led to a surge in tourist traffic.

The Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Maksim Et'hemaj, attributes the growth to the creation of a competitive environment for civil aviation, which includes market organization and good airport infrastructure. This development has enabled the country to attract more tourists, resulting in a substantial increase in passenger traffic.

For the summer months, Et'hemaj predicts that August will see a substantial 1.3 to 1.4 million passengers and 8,000 to 9,000 flights. Additionally, 50 air operators are expected to operate during August, consisting of 36 airlines and 14 tour operators.

This surge in tourist traffic has necessitated more investments in airport infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand. The Albanian government has recognized the importance of investing in airport infrastructure to ensure a seamless travel experience for tourists.

In comparison, Albania's ranking in passenger air traffic is higher than that of countries with a long history of tourism such as Croatia, France, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey.