Tirana International Airport Among Finalists for “Airport of the Year 2026

Tirana International Airport (TIA) has been selected as one of the finalists for the “Airport of the Year 2026” award, the flagship category of the Airport Honour Awards, organised by International Airport Review.

TIA is one of six airport finalists this year, alongside airports from New York, Munich, Vienna, Pittsburgh and Buenos Aires.

International Airport Review is an international professional platform dedicated to the airport and aviation industry. Through the Airport Honour Awards, it recognises achievements and developments across the airport sector, while finalists are selected through an evaluation process involving aviation industry experts and leaders.

The “Airport of the Year” award recognises overall airport performance in key areas such as operational efficiency, passenger experience, innovation and sustainability.

TIA’s selection as a finalist follows a period of significant transformation and growth, supported by investments undertaken by Kastrati Group over the past five years. From 3.3 million passengers in 2019, the airport surpassed a record 10.7 million passengers in 2024, followed by 11.6 million in 2025, while approximately 13.3 million passengers are forecast to travel through the airport in 2026.

This growth has been accompanied by continued investment in infrastructure and capacity, including investments carried out during 2026. The passenger terminal has tripled in size, additional check-in capacity and new boarding gates have been added, while the runway has been extended to 3,000 metres. Aircraft parking capacity has increased from 7 to 31 stands.

TIA has also invested in technology and improving the passenger experience through biometric facial-recognition systems at border control, advanced security-screening technologies, Fast Track and dedicated Family Lanes, as well as improvements to passenger circulation and terminal facilities.

In the area of sustainability, TIA has achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 – Optimization and invested more than €5 million in sustainability initiatives. Renewable energy projects generate approximately 5,700 MWh annually and have contributed to a reduction of 4,443 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Today, the airport provides direct connections to approximately 120 destinations through 60 airline partners, strengthening its role in supporting tourism, economic development and Albania’s connectivity with international markets.

Being shortlisted for “Airport of the Year 2026” represents an important international recognition for Tirana International Airport, placing it alongside leading airports and marking another significant milestone for Albania’s profile within the global aviation industry.

Alongside Global Aviation Leaders, Tirana International Airport listed as Finalist for “Airport of the Year 2026”

Tirana, August 2026 – Tirana International Airport (TIA) has been listed as finalist for the “Airport of the Year 2026” award, the flagship category of the Airport Honour Awards, organised by International Airport Review.

TIA is one of six airport finalists this year, alongside airports from New York, Munich, Vienna, Pittsburgh and Buenos Aires.

International Airport Review is an international professional platform dedicated to the airport and aviation industry. Through the Airport Honour Awards, it recognises achievements and developments across the airport sector, with finalists selected through an evaluation process involving aviation industry experts and leaders.

The “Airport of the Year” award recognises overall airport performance across key areas including operational efficiency, passenger experience, innovation and sustainability.

TIA’s selection as a finalist follows a period of significant transformation and growth, supported by investments undertaken by Kastrati Group over the past five years. From 3.3 million passengers in 2019, the airport surpassed a record 10.7 million passengers in 2024, followed by 11.6 million in 2025, while approximately 13.3 million passengers are forecast to travel through the airport in 2026.

This growth has been supported by continued investment in infrastructure and capacity, including further developments delivered throughout 2026. The passenger terminal has tripled in size, additional check-in capacity and new boarding gates have been introduced, while the runway has been extended to 3,000 meters. Aircraft parking capacity has increased from 7 to 31 stands.

TIA has also invested in technology and passenger experience, introducing biometric facial recognition systems at border control, advanced security screening technologies, Fast Track and dedicated Family Lanes, as well as improvements to passenger circulation and terminal facilities.

In the area of sustainability, TIA has achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 – Optimization and invested more than €5 million in sustainability initiatives. Renewable energy projects generate approximately 5,700 MWh annually and have contributed to a reduction of 4,443 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Today, the airport provides direct connections to approximately 120 destinations through 60 airline partners, strengthening its role in supporting tourism, economic development and Albania’s connectivity with international markets.

Being shortlisted for “Airport of the Year 2026” represents an important international recognition for Tirana International Airport, placing it alongside leading airports and marking another significant milestone for Albania’s profile within the global aviation industry.