The first direct Barcelona - Tirana flight operated by Vueling Airlines marks a new step in strengthening Albania-Spain tourist and economic ties.
On July 2, 2025, Vueling Airlines, part of the prestigious group International Airlines Group (IAG), made the first direct flight from Barcelona to Tirana, marking an important moment for air connections between Albania and Spain.
The flight arrived at "Mother Teresa" International Airport on the clock 21:40 and was greeted with a welcoming ceremony, where they participated Director of the National Tourism Agency, Ms. Zana Cela, and TIA's Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Piervittorio Farabbi.
Ms. Cela emphasized the importance of this flight for promoting Albania as a tourist destination and for strengthening tourist and cultural cooperation between the two countries:
"The National Tourism Agency supports every initiative that contributes to the promotion of Albania as a tourist destination. The new Barcelona-Tirana line is a step towards broader economic and tourist development, making our country an increasingly attractive destination in the region and beyond."
For his part, Mr. Farabbi noted the growing international interest in Albania:
"This line is a clear indicator of the growing interest in Albania as a destination. It offers new travel opportunities to both Albanian citizens and foreign tourists."
Vueling Airlines will offer 4 direct flights per week, making travel between the two cities faster and more accessible.
This development comes after important meetings held in FITUR International Tourism Fair in Madrid, at the beginning of the year, where the National Tourism Agency discussed with representatives of IAG for the expansion of air networks towards Albania.
According to 2024 data, Albania welcomed over 109,000 tourists from Spain, a significant increase compared to the previous year. The new line is expected to positively impact the growth of this figure and the promotion of Albania as an easy-to-visit destination.
