With the landing of the first aircraft at the newly built Vlora International Airport, Albania officially opened a historic infrastructure project this week.

The symbolic premiere was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama himself and is considered a milestone with both political and technical significance.

“This was an extremely challenging project,” Rama explained at the opening ceremony on May 7, 2025. ”The entire airport had to be raised two meters above the original ground level because the area is below sea level. Every quality parameter was met.”

(Source: Public statement, event in Vlora, May 7, 2025)

An airport as a geopolitical message

The new airport is located on the southwestern coast of Albania and will serve as a modern hub for tourism, trade, and regional mobility. It is also seen as a strategic relief for the congested airport in Tirana.

According to the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure, Vlora International will be able to handle over one million passengers annually by 2027. In addition to scheduled flights, the location is also designed for charter and cargo traffic.

Cooperation between Albania and Kosovo

The project was largely implemented by an Albanian-Kosovar construction team. In his speech, Rama emphasized the symbolic significance of this cooperation:

“This double eagle, created by the hands of people from Kosovo and Albania, will carry the name of Vlora Airport very high – because of its quality, its safety, and the warmth I have felt here today.”

(Source: Speech by Prime Minister Rama, May 7, 2025)

The architectural design of the terminal contains references to the Albanian national eagle – a clear sign of national identity and unity.

Technical masterpiece against climate change

The location of the airport in a low-lying area below sea level was particularly challenging. According to a technical report by the Mabetex Group (2024), which was involved in the construction, the foundations had to be raised and drained at great expense to protect them against flooding and rising sea levels in the long term.

The construction work included complex measures for soil stabilization and drainage, as well as raising entire sections onto artificially created high plateaus.

Rama in digital mood: “I can’t live without you”

The opening was also accompanied online: In a humorous remark during the ceremony, Edi Rama addressed his followers on social media, who are known for their often critical but loyal comments:

“To my followers: I can’t live without you – you help me do my job better, even if you never leave a word unsaid,” he said with a smile.

(Source: Livestream of the event, www.kryeministria.al)

A symbol of national ambition

The Vlora International Airport not only stands for technical innovation, but also for Albania’s strategic ambition to position itself as a modern, connected and touristically attractive country. In the official statement from the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, the project is described as “key to regional integration and economic development.”

Conclusion

The new airport in Vlora is more than just a construction project – it is a symbol of progress, cooperation, and national pride. In times of geopolitical unrest, Albania is sending a clear message with this project: connection instead of isolation – and a country that literally wants to reach new heights.

Image:
AI-generated

Sources:

• Government of Albania: www.kryeministria.al
• Mabetex Engineering Report, 2024
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Albania
• Official statements from Prime Minister Edi Rama, May 7, 2025 (public event)