Albania is gaining traction as a top travel destination in Europe, with the Albanian Riviera drawing comparisons to the Maldives due to its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The coastal town of Ksamil, located about four hours from the capital, is a key attraction, known for its white-sand beaches and small surrounding islands accessible by canoe or small boat.
Tirana, Albania’s capital, is increasingly popular for city breaks. In 2023, the country welcomed over 8.3 million tourists—a significant increase from the previous year. Ryanair, positioning itself as the only true low-cost carrier serving Albania, has been instrumental in boosting travel to the region since launching operations in November 2023.
The airline plans to open a new base in Tirana in April 2026, deploying three aircraft initially and launching 10 new routes. Destinations will include Birmingham, Dublin, Verona, Malta, and Milan, with increased flight frequency to London. This expansion will bring Ryanair’s total to 450 weekly flights across 33 routes.
By summer 2026, Ryanair aims to carry over 4 million passengers annually through Tirana Airport, with future plans to expand the fleet to six aircraft and serve more than 5 million passengers per year. The initiative is part of Ryanair’s “Low-Fare Revolution,” enhancing Albania’s global tourism visibility.
Additionally, Wizz Air will begin direct flights from London Gatwick to Tirana in October, offering fares from £19.99, further improving international access to the country.
Source: www.cereport.eu
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