The Tirana International Airport said on Wednesday it hosted the official inauguration of the new Sandor El-Al airline route, connecting Albania and Israel with three weekly flights, from Tirana to Tel Aviv.

TIA considered the new route a significant step in strengthening tourism and economic ties between the two countries.

The event was attended by key figures from the aviation and diplomatic sectors. TIA continues to play a central role in connecting Albania to new international destinations.

TIA’s Chief Operating Officer, Piervittorio Farabbi, stated that this line is a bridge that connects not only two cities but two nations. “We know that Israel is a market with great interest for tourism and we hope that this is just the beginning of a successful cooperation,” he said.

The Director of Albanian Civil Aviation, Maksim Ethemaj, emphasized that the connection of continents, countries, cultures and people is in focus.

“One of the main tasks of civil aviation is to connect continents, countries, cultures, and people. We are proud to welcome today a prestigious operator like Sandor El Al, as a result of joint and continuous work. Israeli tourists will take back to their country beautiful memories of Albania, and this flow is expected to grow,” he stated.

The Israeli Ambassador to Albania, Galit Peleg, spoke about the close relations between the two countries. “Today we have a historic moment. We know that there are special ties between Israel and Albania, but now we have a direct flight, a physical connection. I do not doubt that Sandor Airlines will bring more Israeli citizens to Albania and Albanians to Israel. This line will further strengthen our close relations, economic cooperation, and tourism,” the ambassador declared.

Sandor El Al CEO Gal Gershon said that the citizens of the two countries will be able to get to know each other’s cultures better. “The passengers were excited about this first flight. I am very happy that Sandor is connecting Israel with Albania. I hope that more and more Israelis will have the opportunity to visit this beautiful and hospitable country and that we also welcome more Albanians to Israel to experience our history and culture,” he emphasized.

The Tel Aviv - Tirana airline, which is added to the map of Albania's international destinations, is expected to bring significant growth in tourism, strengthen economic relations, and create new bridges of cooperation between the two countries.