Ryanair to open Tirana (ALBANIA) base in April 2026: 10 new routes
Ryanair is doubling down on Albania. The airline will open a new base at Tirana International Airport (TIA) in April 2026, basing three Boeing 737-800s and operating 450+ weekly flights across 33 routes. The move follows rapid growth since Ryanair first entered Albania in late 2023 and targets ~4 million passengers in 2026, with scope to expand to six-based aircraft and 5M+ passengers by 2030.
What’s new from Tirana (from S26)
- 3 based aircraft (B737-800) – $300M investment and 3,000+ jobs supported in Albania.
- 10 new routes launching for Summer 2026: Birmingham, Dublin, Milan, Malta, Naples, Pescara, Poznań, Trieste, Turin, Verona.
- 33 total routes and 450+ weekly flights planned for S26, plus frequency increases on 9 existing routes (including Bari, London, Prague, Stockholm, Warsaw).
Quick table: the 10 new routes
| From Tirana to | Notes |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | New S26 route |
| Dublin | New S26 route |
| Milan | New S26 route |
| Malta | New S26 route |
| Naples | New S26 route |
| Pescara | New S26 route |
| Poznań | New S26 route |
| Trieste | New S26 route |
| Turin | New S26 route |
| Verona | New S26 route |
| Ryanair says exact frequencies will be published in the S26 timetable; several existing routes will also see more weekly flights. |
Why Albania, why now?
Ryanair highlights Albania’s low access costs and zero aviation taxes as key to rapid growth. The airline says it will keep investing—up to six based aircraft and 20+ additional routes by 2030—provided this policy continues. Tirana Airport also notes recent runway and terminal expansions that have tripled terminal size and improved passenger processing.
Context: fast ramp-up already
Before announcing the base, Ryanair’s Summer 2025 program at TIA already featured 320+ weekly flights to 23 destinations, including new links to Lamezia Terme and Warsaw Chopin—a platform for the 2026 step-up.
What this means for travellers
- More choice & better prices: A larger schedule plus added competition typically means more low fares to and from Albania.
- Improved connectivity: The 10 new routes add fresh options to Italy, Ireland, Poland and the UK, while added frequencies on key markets (e.g., London, Stockholm) make weekend trips and short breaks easier.
- Tourism boost: Expect continued growth to coastal hotspots like the Albanian Riviera as access improves.
FAQ
When will the base open?
April 2026 (start of the S26 season).
How many aircraft will be based?
Three B737-800s initially, with the possibility to grow to six by 2030.
How big is the operation?
450+ weekly flights, 33 routes planned for S26.
What routes are brand new?
Birmingham, Dublin, Milan, Malta, Naples, Pescara, Poznań, Trieste, Turin, Verona.