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./ SCAN

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