Ryanair will significantly expand its operations in Albania by opening a new base at Tirana Airport in April 2026, with three Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The move represents an investment of US$300 million and will create over 3,000 jobs, including 100 new positions for pilots and cabin crew, strengthening the airline’s presence in the country.
The new base will increase Ryanair’s market share in Albania and expand its network across Europe. By the 2026 summer season, the airline plans to operate over 450 weekly flights on 33 routes, including ten new destinations such as Birmingham, Dublin, Milan, Malta, Naples, Pescara, Poznan, Trieste, Turin and Verona. In addition, frequencies on nine existing routes, including Bari, London, Prague, Stockholm and Warsaw, will be increased to meet growing demand.
This expansion is expected to boost passenger traffic to around 4 million annually, enhancing Albania’s connectivity to 13 countries. Ryanair’s presence in Tirana will also support tourism, business travel and economic growth in the region, highlighting the country’s strategic importance in the Balkans.
Over the next five years, Ryanair intends to continue investing in Albania, potentially basing up to six aircraft in the country with a total investment of US$600 million. The airline anticipates passenger numbers rising above 5 million per year, more than 20 additional routes being launched, and total job creation exceeding 4,000 positions.
With the Tirana base, Ryanair aims to provide a world-class travel experience while supporting Albania’s economic development and regional air transport links.
