TIRANA, May 1 /ATA/ – Tirana International Airport welcomed Friday
Finnish airline Finnair with the launch of direct flights between
Helsinki and Tirana, a development expected to further strengthen
tourism growth and Albania’s international connectivity.

The new route will operate twice weekly, creating a direct link
between Albania and Northern Europe, while also offering seamless
connections to Finnair’s global network via Helsinki.

The launch comes at a time when Albania is experiencing steady growth
in both tourist inflows and air traffic.

According to data published by the National Institute of Statistics
(INSTAT), more than 2.16 million passengers traveled through air
transport in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 3.8% increase
compared to the same period last year.

The continuous rise in passenger numbers and the growing presence of
airlines operating in Albania – 21 carriers in the first three months
of the year alone – reflect the country’s increasing attractiveness as
both a tourism destination and a regional transit hub.

In this context, Finnair’s entry into the Albanian market is seen as
an important step, not only expanding travel options for passengers,
but also helping attract visitors from new markets, particularly
Nordic countries and beyond.

The expansion of air connectivity and the addition of direct routes
are increasingly positioning Albania as a more accessible and
competitive destination on the international tourism map.