Vlora International Airport

Vlora International Airport (Albanian: Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar i Vlorës, IATA: VLO, ICAO: LAVL) is Albania's third international airport, located near the village of Akërni, approximately 10 kilometres north of Vlorë. The airport will serve as a key transportation hub for southern Albania and the Albanian Riviera, facilitating both passenger and cargo flights.

Vlora International Airport Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar i Vlorës
IATA: VLO ICAO: LAVL
Summary
Airport type	Public
Owner/Operator	Vlora International Airport SHPK Mabco Constructions SA (98%) 2A Group SH.P.K. (2%)
Serves	Vlorë, Albania
Location	Novoselë, Vlorë County, Albania
Opened	8 May 2025 (3 months ago) (2025-05-08)[1]
Hub for	Air Albania[1]
Elevation AMSL	8 ft / 2.5 m
Coordinates	40°36′25.7″N 19°25′41.6″E
Website	https://vlora-airport.com/
Map
VLO Location of airport in Albania
Runways
Direction Length Surface ft m 16/34 10,499 3,200 Asphalt

History

The Albanian government announced plans for Vlora International Airport in 2019, aiming to boost tourism and economic development in the southern region. Construction officially commenced in November 2021, following a concession agreement with a consortium comprising Mabco Constructions, the Turkish YDA Group, and the Kosovar 2A Group Shpk. The airport was built on a 309-hectare site, previously used as a military airstrip. The project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed progress in 2021.^[2]

On May 8, 2025, Vlora International Airport achieved a significant milestone with the successful landing of its first certification flight. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Edi Rama and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku. This certification flight marked the completion of rigorous testing and regulatory procedures, paving the way for the commencement of commercial operations.^[3]

Facilities

Vlora International Airport features a single runway (16/34) measuring 3,200 metres in length and 60 metres in width, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777.^[4] The terminal building spans 22,000 square metres, significantly larger than initially planned, to accommodate projected passenger growth.^[5] The airport incorporates sustainability measures, including solar panels generating 5.2 MWh of renewable energy.^[6] The airport's elevation is approximately 2.5 metres above sea level, a design choice made to mitigate flooding risks in the low-lying coastal area.^[7]

Environmental concerns

The construction of the airport has raised environmental concerns due to its proximity to the Narta and Karavasta lagoons, which are critical habitats for migratory birds. Environmentalists argue that the airport's development could disrupt these ecosystems and violate national and international biodiversity protection laws. The Albanian government has stated that protective measures will be implemented to mitigate environmental impacts.^[8] There is a lack of information on measures to benefit bird diversity close to Vlora International Airport, despite the recognized ecological sensitivity of the area.

Airlines and destinations

As of May 2025, Air Albania has announced plans to establish its main base at Vlora International Airport, enhancing connectivity for the region. The airport is expected to serve both seasonal and year-round flights to various European destinations.^[3]

To this date, June 2025, it is however not stated or confirmed what destinations the airport will serve.

See also

• Transport in Albania
• List of airports in Albania
  • Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
  • Kukës International Airport Zayed