Albanian Railways has announced “Hastoçi” as the winning company; it submitted a bid of approximately 81 million ALL (excluding VAT), against a budget ceiling of 91.6 million ALL.

The Rinas station will be part of Tirana–Durrës–Rinas railway line; in addition to the station building itself, the project entails various upgrades to the surrounding infrastructure. These include passenger platforms, pedestrian access points, sidewalks, parking areas and designated zones for taxis, buses and passenger transport vehicles.

Meanwhile, work on the railway line project is going ahead on multiple fronts. Contracts are currently being implemented for civil works, signaling and telecommunications systems and the construction of station buildings. Currently, the tender for the line’s electrification is underway.

According to the authorities, rail transport along the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas corridor is expected to begin at the end of 2027. This timeline does not include the approximately 4-kilometer segment associated with the restoration of the train station in Tirana.

The project to rehabilitate the Tirana–Durrës railway line and the branch to Rinas airport aims to restore passenger rail transport on one of the country’s most important corridors, connecting the capital with Durrës and the international airport.

The project entails rehabilitating existing infrastructure, constructing and renovating stations, installing modern signaling and telecommunications systems and electrifying the line.

It is considered a key investment in the modernization of Albania’s rail transport and aims to provide an alternative public transport means for travelers between Tirana, Durrës and Rinas airport.

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First of all, Rama addressed the issue regarding the former director of SHISH (State Intelligence Service) Vlora Hyseni stating that her appointment to lead the service was based on her experience as an advisor to security institutions and on positive references from partner agencies.

PM Rama stressed that Hyseni’s investigation is entirely a legal matter between her and the justice system. We do not support public trials or the leaking of confidential investigative information before a verdict is reached.

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Speaking at a gala evening organized by the Albanian-American Council in New York, Rama highlighted how much Albania has transformed over the years.

“We have to face a simple truth: success is rarely forgiven. For the fifth or sixth consecutive year, our airport stands as the largest in the region. This dominance is clear not just in relative terms—having led Europe in growth rate for several years—but also in absolute figures,” Rama added.

According to him, Tirana International Airport handles more passengers than the airport that had long been the largest in the region: Belgrade’s.

“And we will continue, because this is just the beginning,” said Rama. “Of course, it is not easy for everyone to digest this. Who are we? Who is Albania to be capable of such growth and to demonstrate such capacity for change?”

He added that certain forces dislike seeing the country progress this way, noting, “I am not claiming we lack nothing, nor am I saying we have no problems,” Rama added. /a.f/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama wrote in a post in the social media that, “Tirana International Airport leads the region’s airports in terms of passenger numbers in the first half of 2026. 6 million passengers in just 6 months, an increase of 17% compared to the same period in 2025”.

The surge in air traffic stems from expanded flight routes and destinations, driven by a continuous rise in tourists choosing Albania.

The increase in air traffic is related to the increase in flights and destinations, but also to the continuous increase in the number of tourists choosing Albania.

Summer traffic at Tirana International Airport surged to new heights, peaking on August 17 with a record 60,291 passengers and 326 flights in a single day, while total monthly volume for August reached over 1.7 million travelers.

This strong performance highlights Albania’s expanding global reach and booming tourism, cementing Tirana International Airport as a vital regional hub.

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This upgrade improves the overall airport experience and tailors services to fit passenger needs.

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According to data published by MIA – the Media and Information Agency, in July, air travel dominated passenger movement as ‘Mother Teresa’ Airport served more than 1.8 million people. Sea ports handled smaller shares: Saranda recorded 131,000 passengers, Durres 111,000 and Vlora just 17,000.

The data show a large jump in summer travel. This proves high tourism levels in the country. Total passenger numbers will rise further because land borders are not counted.

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During the inauguration event of the first Tirana-Toronto TIA line, Prime Minister Edi Rama emphasized that, “Sector growth projections demand an immediate increase in airport capacity”.

“Robust projections indicate a massive surge in air travelers to Albania over the next decade. To meet this upcoming demand and handle the corresponding increase in flights, it is imperative that we proactively scale our civil aviation infrastructure,” said Rama.

Speaking about Vlora International Airport, the prime minister explained that these project delays stem strictly from the contractor’s internal management, rather than external factors or state involvement.

The head of government said that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has taken the necessary steps and that the objective for the opening of the airport remains unchanged.

“Vlora Airport will definitely open and will not be a prey to internal disputes within the company”, said Rama.

PM Rama said that the government is in the final phase of preparations to open the competition for the new Gjirokastra Airport, which will primarily serve seasonal and tourist travel.

Rama also underlined that there is no reason to give up on the further development of the Kukes airport, emphasizing that agreements with airlines depend on the commercial interests of the operators and the airport itself.

Rama shared that air travel access in Albania climbed from 6.5% to 40% during his term.

Increased competition after the previous airport monopoly ended, paired with rising incomes, has driven this travel boom. Rama noted that this shift has transformed air travel from a luxury into an accessible option for citizens, greatly expanding Albania’s reach on the world stage. /e.i/r.e/p.s./

According to TIA data, the five most requested destinations were: Milan, London, Rome, Pisa and Bologna.

During this month, there were added new destinations such as Santander, Dublin, Liverpool, Billund, Bratislava and Ankara.

Tirana Airport is strengthening its position as the premier gateway, welcoming record passenger numbers.

According to statistics provided by the Airports Council International, TIA welcomed 11.6 million passengers in 2025, marking an increase of 8.7% compared to 2024.

During 2025, there were added 15 new destinations and 7 partner airlines. /a.f/r.e/p.s./

During the visit, it was reported that the Kastrati Group, led by Shefqet Kastrati, has begun deploying these advanced technologies, which aim to increase security standards at the country’s main airport.

According to a press release of the US embassy, partnering with trusted American technology providers helps Albanian companies improve safety and reinforce border security. /p.s./

According to TIA data, the five most sought-after destinations during January were: Milan, London, Rome, Pisa and Venice.

TIA remains Albania’s main air gateway, offering more travel options to an ever-increasing number of passengers.

According to statistics provided from the Airports Council International, TIA had 11.6 million passengers in 2025, marking an increase of 8.7% compared to 2024.

In 2025, TIA expanded its network by adding 15 new destinations and 7 airline partnerships. /j.p/p.s./