The agreement was signed in Skopje during discussions on the future of aviation in Southeast Europe, attended by Eurocontrol and representatives from countries across the region.

The CAA said rising air traffic and changing flight patterns driven by geopolitical developments required greater capacity, resilience and cooperation among regional countries.

For Albania, priorities include expanding airport and airspace capacity, modernising air traffic management and strengthening civil-military cooperation, the authority said.

The agreement with North Macedonia will facilitate the exchange of expertise, capacity-building and closer regional cooperation in aviation, the CAA said.

“In an increasingly interconnected system, aviation challenges do not end at national borders,” the authority said.

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Alongside the influx of over 7 million tourists who traveled to Albania through this airport by the end of 2024 – with expectations for further growth in 2025 – tourism, seen as a historic milestone for the country, has also expanded the geographic reach of flight destinations offered by airlines.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, cited the low-cost airline Ryanair as an example, noting Ryanair now operates 25 destinations from and to Albania’s main international airport.

“Ryanair now offers 25 destinations and 135 weekly flights at Mother Teresa International Airport, promoting Albania as a hidden treasure of Europe,” Balluku said.

She emphasized that civil aviation remains the cornerstone of Albania’s tourism success.

The continued increase in passenger numbers reflects the success of strategic initiatives by Tirana International Airport aimed at expanding connecting flights and improving accessibility.

Continuing its role as a vital gateway linking Albania to key global destinations, Tirana International Airport remains steadfast in its commitment to providing improved services, boosting tourism, and significantly contributing to the overall development of the region.

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“We discussed expansion of Albania’s civil aviation that has seen significant growth like no other country in Europe over the past few years,” Balluku said in a post on the social media.

Deputy PM Balluku underlined that the civil aviation has considerably expanded under a clear strategy of the Albanian government.

“Civil aviation has been developed under a clear strategy by the government of Albania over several years now by enhancing citizens’ access to the aviation based on liberalisation and competition. The civil aviation has also grown thanks to the investments to upgrade airport infrastructure. Vlora and Gjirokaster airport projects are already underway and their construction will further expand this sector,” Balluku concluded.

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The NATO military exercise Air Defender 23, set to begin on Monday, June 12, involves more than 25 nations, 10 000 troops and over 220 aircraft.

“Due to this event, passengers can expect delays and flight cancellations. Eurocontrol (NM), Civil Aviation Authorities (ACAA), Air Navigation Service Providers (Albcontrol) and Airports (TIA), are working intensively to lessen the impact,” the Civil Aviation Authority said in a press release.

The multinational exercise Air Defender 23, focusing on operational and tactical-level live-flying, will take place in the German airspace.

The German-led exercise will last until June 23 and is aimed at training troops to respond and repel a simulated attack by an aggressor in the Eastern-flank.

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“Vaccination process will involve flight attendants, pilots and staff of “Air Albania “, since it is one of the sensitive groups also due to the exposure to the novel coronavirus during the passengers service,” Minister Balluku said.

Touching on the issue of Kukes airport, Minister Balluku considered it a new page in the history of civil aviation for all Albanian territories.

Focusing on the election campaign, Minister Balluku attached great importance on the implementation of measures against COVID-19 while adding that, “the Socialist Party goal is the mass vaccination of the population and not mass infection noted during the opposition meetings.” //a.i/