Tirana International Airport (TIA) is experiencing a period of rapid growth and major transformations, consolidating itself as one of the main aviation hubs in the region.

After the historic record of 2024, with over 10.7 million passengers, TIA continues to expand its capacities and destinations, becoming the main air gateway not only for Albania, but also for travelers in the region.

In an interview with Monitor, TIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Piervittorio Farabbi, talks about the airport’s ambitious plans: the goal of reaching 15 million passengers per year, new investments that are expected to turn it into a regional model, as well as preparations for the launch of direct flights to the United States of America.

“We are working intensively in this direction (flights to and from the US). We have held meetings and negotiations with the main airlines operating in the North Atlantic, we have prepared the infrastructure, we have obtained the relevant permits and certifications, and we have also activated diplomatic channels. Our goal is for direct flights to the US to begin in the IATA’s summer season and then extend throughout the year,” he says.

Farabbi emphasizes that these developments, supported by the expansion of low-cost airlines and the entry of strategic investments, are expected to strengthen Albania’s role as a tourist and economic destination with regional influence.

“A few days ago we announced the important news: Ryanair will open a base in Tirana in 2026. This is a $300 million investment in aircraft, with over 4000 direct and indirect jobs, as well as over 1.5 million additional passengers to and from Albania. Wizz Air also announced a few days ago the expansion of its aircraft fleet, the launch of flights to 4 new destinations, as well as the increase in the frequency of flights on existing ones. All these developments, together with plans for new agreements with airlines, as well as transoceanic flights, support our goals and expectations for further expansion and an increase in the number of passengers and flights,” he says.