Tirana International Airport (TIA) said on Monday it exceeded the number of 10 million passengers before the end of 2024, thus setting another historical record.

Tirana International Airport is the fastest-growing airport in Europe since the pandemic, with a 225% increase compared to 2019. 

To mark this remarkable achievement, the 10 millionth passenger, who arrived in Albania via the Dutch airline Transavia, was welcomed with a special ceremony together with other passengers and crew.

Martin Van Der Meij, the 10 millionth passenger, said that this was not his first visit to Albania, but it was the most surprising because of such a special reception. He said that work connected him to Albania, but he plans to come with his family for vacation soon.

The event organized at Tirana International Airport was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, members of the government cabinet, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the media, representatives of airline companies, leaders from Kastrati Group, and Tirana International Airport.

The operational director of Tirana International Airport, Piervittorio Farabbi, shared this achievement with the guests, emphasizing the tireless work that has led to the realization of this goal. "To get here," said Mr. Farabbi, "we have made important decisions and developed innovative strategies to improve the passenger experience. After Kastrati Group took over the airport's management, investments were made for transformation, increasing capacity, and improving quality. With around 100 million euros invested in just the first 3 years, the terminal space has tripled and is expected to reach 100,000 m2 by the end of the project. Our focus remains on sustainable development; all airport spaces are LED-lit, we are increasing the use of electric vehicles for runway operations, and we plan to install photovoltaic panels that will produce 49 MW of energy. We have added 15,000 square meters in the arrivals area and 6 new aircraft parking stands, bringing the total to 29. Very soon, we will also enable capacity for transoceanic flights, making direct flights to the USA possible. With over 129 direct destinations, we are the only airport in the region with broad coverage, high frequency, and affordable prices. Technological innovations such as eGates, third-generation scanners, and self-service kiosks compete with the most developed airports in the world."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, praised the continuous development of the airport and its impact on the country's economy. She added that this result is not only an achievement for the airport but also for Albania, which is set to welcome 10 million passengers before the end of the year. "If there is no significant investment, we cannot achieve the results we have had. Therefore, the work done at Tirana International Airport must be acknowledged, especially in terms of increasing the terminal capacity, parking spaces, and, above all, new technology. 11 million and 40 visitors have entered our country by November 30, and of these, imagine that 10 million entered through Rinas. So, 90% of Albania's presentation at the moment of entry happens through this gateway. In 2025, we have committed to having over 12 million passengers at this airport."

In a video message, the Director General of the Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, Mr. Olivier Jankovec, greeted the attendees at the ceremony on this important day for Tirana Airport. "This achievement makes Tirana Airport one of the most prominent airports in Europe in terms of traffic growth and expansion. Congratulations to Tirana International Airport for the impact this growth has on the country's economy and the development of tourism."