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News

Albanians Get to Fly from Second Airport

April 1, 201615:45
The government has reached an agreement with Tirana International Airport on ending its monopoly on flights, opening the way for an airport at Kukes in the north to open.
Tirana Airport | Photo: BIRN/ Ivana Dervishi

Albanians will soon be able to fly out from a second airport at Kukes in the north after the government and the shareholders of Tirana International Airport, TIA agreed to end the latter’s monopoly on flights.

A concession agreement signed by the government on October 2004 gave TIA shareholders, led by AviAlliance company of Germany, exclusive rights to civil flights from Albania.

Work started on building Kukesi airport in 2002 and it has a surface of around 65 hectares, situated three kilometres from the northern town of Kukes.

The news about ending TIA’s exclusive rights to flights was announced on Friday by Transport Minister Edmond Haxhinasto and Economy Minister Milva Konomi.

The Minister of Transport said the way had been opened for cheaper flights from Albania as a result of market liberalization.

“This is an important day for Albanian aviation as we open a new page in building its infrastructure. I believe Albanian citizens will be the first to benefit from this agreement,” he said.

The minister stated that Kukes airport will employ 200 people and will open up more touristic opportunities for the region.

Operational procedures for Kukes airport will start after parliament adopts the agreement reached with Tirana International Airport.

Speaking about the terms of the agreement with TIA, the minister said that the shareholders’ concession will be extended by two years, with the possibility of a further extension.

Last December, economy experts told BIRN they sought more transparency from Albania’s government over the negotiations with TIA shareholders.

Besides Kukes airport, Albania is expected to approve the building of a new airport in the south, near from the coastal resort of Saranda.