Vlora Airport, MIE: Arbitration rejects VIA’s requests and contract termination takes effect

The termination of the Vlora Airport Concession Agreement has taken effect after the Emergency Arbitrator rejected VIA’s main request to suspend it. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy announced the news.

In a statement to the media, MIE explained that on September 16, 2026, the Emergency Arbitrator issued an Order in the emergency arbitration proceedings initiated by VIA, the Vlora Airport concessionaire.

According to the ministry, two of the three requests submitted by VIA were rejected in their entirety. These included the company’s main claim, which sought to suspend the termination of the Concession Agreement.

The Arbitrator rejected both the request to halt the termination of the agreement and the request to suspend the implementation of the Notice of Termination. MIE said the Arbitrator upheld its position that neither the agreement nor the evidence submitted provided a sufficient legal basis for imposing such a measure.

The requests to compel the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to engage in mediation and appoint a mediator were also rejected. VIA’s request to postpone the start of arbitration for another two months was likewise dismissed.

With these claims rejected, the dispute may immediately proceed to the arbitral tribunal. The ministry said it would continue to vigorously defend its position at this stage.

The only measure approved by the Arbitrator is the limited and temporary preservation of the status quo. Until the arbitral tribunal is constituted and able to consider the matter, MIE will temporarily refrain from exercising certain rights arising after the termination of the Concession Agreement.

The ministry stressed that this is a short-term measure and does not affect the validity or effectiveness of the contract’s termination. It will apply only until the arbitral tribunal is constituted and able to address the matter.

In the Order, the Emergency Arbitrator also ruled that VIA must pay the costs of the emergency arbitration proceedings.

MIE considers the decision a clear failure by VIA to obtain the measure that formed the core of its request. According to the ministry, the company sought to prevent the termination of the Concession Agreement from taking effect and to delay the start of arbitration through a prolonged mediation process, but it achieved neither objective.

According to MIE, the decision clears the way for preparations for further steps arising from the termination of the Concession Agreement, which the ministry considers necessary to protect the public interest. During this process, the limited, short-term measure imposed until the arbitral tribunal is constituted will be respected.

In implementation of the Emergency Arbitrator’s decision, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy announced that it will inform VIA that the termination of the Concession Agreement is now in effect.