Ryanair is turning into Albania’s only low fare airline, as the low-cost airline celebrated the recent opening of its new 4 aircraft base, representing a US$400million investment in Tirana.
For the summer season 2026, Ryanair will deliver 44 routes and record 50% traffic growth to 4 million passengers in the Albanian capital. This growth is a direct result of the Albanian Government’s pro-growth zero tax aviation policy and Tirana Airport’s growth incentive schemes, which encouraged Ryanair to open 21 new routes this summer, supporting over 3,000 jobs, incl. 120 new high-paid jobs for Ryanair pilots, engineers and cabin crew all based in Tirana.
Ryanair’s Tirana S26 schedule will deliver:
- 4 based aircraft – $400m invest
- 44 routes, 21 new incl. Alghero, Dublin, Eindhoven, Genoa, Malta, Milan & Naples
- Traffic growth to 4m pax p.a. (over 50%)
- Supporting over 3,000 jobs in Albania
- Unbeatable low-fare choice for Albanian citizens/visitors
According to Ryanair, Albania is Europe’s fastest growing aviation market, with Tirana International Airport among the best recovered European airports post Covid.
Over the next 5 years, Ryanair will continue this investment. The carrier expects to base up to 6x B737 aircraft ($600m invest.) in Tirana, growing to over 6m passengers per annum and operating over 60 routes by 2030. Ryanair expects the Albanian Govt continues its pro-growth aviation policy, and Tirana Airport maintains its low costs growth incentives to further stimulate traffic and tourism growth.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said:
“As Albania’s only low-fare airline, Ryanair is pleased to celebrate the opening of its 4 aircraft Tirana base, delivering record traffic growth of over 50% to 4m pax in 2026. Enabled by Albania’s pro-growth aviation policy, and Tirana Airport’s low costs, Ryanair’s record 2026 growth at Tirana will deliver 44 routes, and 4m passengers.
Albania is Europe’s fastest growing aviation market, and Ryanair will continue to invest in Albanian, growing traffic to over 6m passengers.”
Tirana Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Piervittorio Farabbi, said:
“Since starting its operation in October 23, Ryanair has continuously challenged us to raise our standards and deliver true operational excellence. TIA staff and management have certainly risen to the occasion: not only we delivered terminal and airside capacity in record time, by completing a 120M EUR capex plan addressing all key airport infrastructures, but we were ready to evolve and to adapt our operational best practices to the needs of a modern airline, focusing on efficiency, turnaround times, and performance.”
