Tirana International Airport is facing record passenger traffic as Albania continues to attract growing numbers of international visitors, with around 9.2 million travelers processed during the first eight months of the year, according to Albanian officials.

Managing the growing flow of passengers and the work of border police were at the center of a visit to the airport by Interior Minister Ervin Demo and State Police Director General Skënder Hita.

Demo said the number of travelers passing through the airport reflects both the increasing pressure on border services and the country's expanding tourism sector.

“Roughly 9.2 million tourists processed in eight months shows not only the commitment of police forces, but also Albania's success,” Demo said, emphasizing that border officers are often the first point of contact for visitors arriving in the country.

According to the minister, around 1.7 million tourists were processed in August alone, while approximately 3 million passengers were handled through three automated e-gates.

Demo said authorities plan to expand the use of technology across public services in an effort to increase efficiency, strengthen public security and improve the experience of international visitors.

State Police Director General Skënder Hita said the increase in passenger traffic has required border police to maintain a high level of operational activity while continuing to target criminal activity.

Hita said passenger processing at the airport increased by nearly 23% in August compared with the same month last year.

He also highlighted the difference between automated and traditional passport-control procedures, saying processing through an e-gate takes approximately 14 seconds, compared with about 28 seconds at conventional booths.

Despite the record passenger numbers, Hita said border police have continued investigations into suspected criminal activity, including alleged drug-trafficking cases.