“Our first firefighting aircraft is now active. It joins our response forces for this challenging August. We are stronger and more prepared than ever, yet fully aware of the risk of extreme fires—just like the severe outbreaks currently hitting other European countries,” Rama stated.

The prime minister also expressed deep appreciation for everyone on the ground handling the situation.

According to the Media and Information Agency, in the last 12 hours, there are reported 14 fires. Five fires are still burning. Teams are fighting the flames with 182 workers, 19 fire trucks, 3 helicopters and 1 plane.

The firefighting efforts are concentrated in Dajti area, in the village of Riban in Mallakastra, Prrenjas, Skrapar, Himara, as well as in the mountainous area in the municipalities of Libohova and Dropull. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

Speaking at the Farka Air Base, Rama outlined government plans to deploy thermal camera drones for real-time forest surveillance and early fire detection, alongside drones designed to reseed areas damaged by wildfires. “We must significantly expand our drone fleet,” he said. “We are procuring thermal drones to capture fire signals immediately, while also evaluating drones capable of replanting scorched territories.”

The government head added that Albania will gradually build up its air fleet with firefighting aircraft and is investing in early-warning systems supported by new control centers to ensure rapid ground response.

Rama also confirmed that the Air Force Academy in Vlora, already in the process of establishment, will soon open its doors physically to begin training new pilots and further strengthen the country’s aerial capacities.

Describing the fight against wildfires as “a real battle that demands patience and strength,” Rama stressed that the government is closely following international practices, citing large-scale investments made in Greece, Italy, and other countries to improve resilience and reduce fire damage.

The event was attended by Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, Interior Minister Albana Koçiu, and Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo.

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Rama responded to a commentator who linked official travel with the lack of aircraft to put out wildfires.

“It is good that you verify the media fires where sometimes the reason is burned”, commented Rama.

Further on, the prime minister added that, “It would be good if we had our aircrafts, but buying an aircraft is not a small thing. And some have even believed some nonsense as if I, i.e. the government, has bought aircraft for ourselves”.

“There is no plane purchased for myself. The much-discussed plane used by me only for official trips has not cost and does not cost the Albanian state more than the sum of the average expenses incurred each year by the Prime Minister of Albania, including my predecessor. On every other private trip, I take airliners and I am regularly with my family in the economy class, always. This is confirmed by all the declared tickets”, said Rama. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

In less than two years after the establishment of the Wizz Air base in Tirana, it is announced the increase of the Wizz Air fleet with 5 aircraft and 2 additional destinations, while it operates low cost connecting Albania with the rest of Europe. Wizz Air already connects Tirana with 29 European destinations.

Minister of Tourism and Environment Blendi Klosi, present at the ceremony held in Rinas, said that Albania is in the attention of foreign tourists.

“We must all join forces to raise the standards of service quality, from the entrance gate to the Albanian beaches or historical centers. Under the new management of the airport, it seems that there is a facilitation of doing business, with more negotiable tariffs with airlines that have an interest in Albania, a fact that promotes free and fair competition, where the beneficiary is the passenger”, he said.

“Albania, said Klosi, today can undoubtedly mark an open competition with the countries of the region to increase the number of organized tourists, through the addition of its entry gates, such as the new airport of Kukes, the management of new airport methods of Rinas, the beginning of works for the airport of Vlora, the strengthening of the entrance gates from the Sea and from the Land. Thus, he said, we shall quickly go to our objection 10 million tourists in the first 2-3 years of this governance mandate.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tirana International Airport Constantin von Alvensleben said that the fact that Wizz Air bases five aircrafts in Tirana is a great sign of trust for this airport and the result of several years of successful cooperation.

“This step offers a new perspective for Albania, bringing the country closer to Europe. I am pleased to announce our commitment to continue our cooperation with Wizz Air for a substantial development that will support Albania’s post-pandemic economic recovery and also offer customers a wide range of affordable low-cost destinations”, he said.

Wizz Air Commercial Director George Michalopoulos also announced launch of two new flights to Barcelona and Cologne. “In the next three to four years we will double our fleet of the Tirana base and this development envisages the movement of about 5 million passengers with Wizz Air, new destinations from Tirana and a high standard of service.

“This is an extraordinary development for Albania, for the airport and for us,” he said.

The airline has transported more than 2 million passengers from and to Albania since it stepped into the domestic market.

The airline has transported more than 2 million passengers from and to Albania since it entered into the domestic market.

Tickets are already on sale at wizzair.com and on the airline mobile app with prices starting at EUR 19.99

Destinations Days Price Begins

Tirana – Barcelona Thursday, Saturday 29.99 EUR 31 July 2021

Tirana – Cologne Thursday, Sunday 29.99 EUR 1 August2021./p.s./