More passengers, but fewer flights at the start of the year/ INSTAT: Freight transport also increased by 3.8%
In the first quarter of 2026, air transport in Albania has marked interesting developments, reflecting a steady increase in demand for travel and trade, despite some fluctuations in the number of flights.
According to the latest data from INSTAT, a total of 21 foreign airlines have operated in Albanian airspace, while around 74 thousand flights have been registered. Of these, an overwhelming portion, around 82.6%, consists of overflights, which shows the growing importance of Albania as an air corridor in the region.
On the other hand, passenger traffic has seen a significant increase. During the first three months of the year, a total of 2.1 million passengers traveled, or 3.8% more than in the same period in 2025, when the total number was approximately 2 million. Interestingly, this increase comes at a time when the number of flights has decreased, suggesting an increase in aircraft capacity or better optimization of airlines.
Air freight transport also saw positive developments. The total volume of goods (including mail) reached 571 tons, with 74.2% consisting of imports and 25.8% of exports. Compared to the same period last year, this volume increased by 3.8%.
Meanwhile, air trade alone (export-import) reached 439 tons, marking a more significant increase of 10.8% compared to the first quarter of 2025. However, the weight of goods imported by air remains minimal, accounting for only 0.02% of total imports into the country.
According to data from Tirana International Airport (TIA), the most frequented destinations by Albanian passengers during this period were major European cities such as Milan, London, Rome, Pisa and Bologna, destinations which have long had a high number of Albanian visitors.
Most visited
Over 1.6 billion lek for urban regeneration of housing in 12 regions - ADF opens the competition, aiming to increase energy efficiency and improve conditions
The Albanian Development Fund has announced the opening of the competition for the project "Urban Regeneration of Housing Stock, Phase IV", which envisages......
The strengthening of the lek "softened" inflation from abroad - Themeli: The Bank of Albania expects a slight increase in prices in the coming months
The exchange rate, i.e. the strengthening of the lek and the depreciation of the euro, have made it possible for the increase in prices abroad to not be......
Two large photovoltaic parks in Albania - ERE initiates procedures for 120 MW in Lushnja and Devoll
Two new photovoltaic projects, with a combined capacity of 120 MW, have advanced in regulatory procedures for electricity production in Albania. At its last......
Loans over 5 years "conquer" the portfolio/ Gain ground in the second quarter. Vlora leads with the largest weight
Loans with a maturity of over 5 years are accounting for the largest share of the loan portfolio in Albania. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, they......
Matura, second session starts on August 24 - Exams last until September 3, about 1,300 remaining in the first phase
The second session of the State Matura and the State Professional Matura 2026 will begin on August 24. The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economy......
Video
