Ryanair, announced that it will base a 4th Boeing 737-800 aircraft in Tirana for April 2026, and open 20 new routes including Alghero, Baden-Baden, Eindhoven, Genoa, Memmingen, Parma & Wroclaw in addition to the 23 existing routes for Summer26 operating a total of 43 routes, delivering 4 million passengers per annum.
Ryanair stated the investment in growth at Tirana is a direct result of the Albanian Govt’s proactive policy to abolish aviation taxes and Tirana Airport’s successful growth incentive scheme.
The carrier stated over the next 5 years stated it will continue to invest in Albania, basing up to 6 Boeing 737 aircraft in Tirana, growing to over 6 million passengers annually, operating over 60 routes, supporting over 4,000 jobs by 2030, subject to the Albanian Govt maintaining its zero aviation tax policy, and Tirana Airport low access costs via growth incentive schemes.
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said “As Albania’s only low-fare airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce a 4th based aircraft in Tirana for S26, which will expand Ryanair’s market share in Albania with 43 routes for Summer 2026, including 20 exciting new routes to the likes of Alghero, Baden–Baden, Eindhoven, Genoa, Memmingen, Parma & Wroclaw, among others. This record Ryanair investment ($400m), record traffic growth of over 50% to 4m pax for Tirana, is a direct result of Albania’s proactive policy to abolish travel taxes, and the Airport’s lower costs, which are delivered by its successful growth incentive schemes.”
Tirana Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Piervittorio Farabbi, said “The early expansion of Ryanair’s base in Tirana is a powerful demonstration of the strength of our partnership and our shared ambition for sustainable growth. By combining Ryanair’s network and scale with Tirana International Airport’s rapidly expanding capacity driven by Kastrati Group’s strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and operational excellence we are unlocking new opportunities for tourism, business, and economic development across Albania and the wider region.”
Image Credit: Tirana International Airport
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