Ryanair and Wizz Air recently announced the launch of their respective new routes from Albania as the competition between the two rival airlines is expected to further grow in Balkans.
Both the airlines confirmed their scheduling of services in Albania for the coming northern winter. Wizz Air included three new routes towards the end of May and confirmed the launch of ten more destinations. The airline will place eleven aircraft at Tirana’s Mother Teresa International Airport (TIA).
Compared to the same season last year, Wizz Air plans to offer more than a hundred additional weekly flights next winter.
Meanwhile, Ryanair announced 17 new routes from Tirana, starting October 31 with Albania becoming 37th country in Ryanair’s network. The new routes will provide immediate access to key inbound tourism markets such as, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania Sweden and the UK all the while providing competitive fares and increased connectivity for Albanians who want to visit home or friends and family abroad.
Speaking on the routes launch, Eddie Wilson, CEO, Ryanair said: "As Europe’s largest airline, we are delighted to announce 200 weekly Ryanair flights to/from Albania starting from Winter ’23. These initial 17 new routes will grant immediate access to key inbound tourism markets such as, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania Sweden, and the UK whilst also providing competitive fares and increased connectivity for Albanians who want to visit home, or friends and family abroad."
"We have worked closely with our partners here at Tirana Airport to launch these 17 new routes and hope to strengthen the relationship over time as we work together to drive inbound tourism and connectivity to Albania," Wilson added.