Albania and Israel have taken another step toward intensifying their bilateral relations:

Since April 3, 2025, direct flights have connected the two capitals, Tirana and Tel Aviv, for the first time. The new route is operated by Sandor El Al, a subsidiary of the Israeli airline El Al, and offers three flights per week. The route was officially opened at Tirana International Airport (TIA), as reported by the daily newspaper Albanian Daily News.

Prime Minister Edi Rama personally welcomed the Israeli delegation and described the new connection as a “milestone for Albanian-Israeli friendship.” In his speech, he recalled Albania’s historic role in protecting Jewish citizens during World War II, according to Euronews Albania. The flight connection is a symbol of “trust, respect and shared prospects for the future,” Rama said, emphasizing the economic opportunities that could arise from growing tourism and the expansion of trade.

The Israeli ambassador to Albania, Galit Peleg, also spoke of a “historic moment” at the ceremony. According to the Albanian Daily News, she said that the new flight route not only creates a practical connection but also further deepens the “close and stable relations between Israel and Albania.” Peleg also referred to the successful cooperation between the two countries in areas such as defense, technology, education, and security.

In recent years, diplomatic and economic relations between Albania and Israel have developed steadily. According to Euronews, numerous joint projects are in the pipeline, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and security infrastructure. The direct flight connection is now further visible evidence of this development.

Observers see the launch of the airline as a strategic signal in a region where Israel is increasingly acting as a partner to European countries. For Albania, in turn, the connection is a contribution to its positioning as an open, modern travel destination with international ambitions.