FINNAIR LAUNCHES DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN HELSINKI AND TIRANA

Growth in routes between Albania and Northern Europe and beyond

Tirana, 30 April 2026 – Tirana International Airport (TIA) is pleased to announce the launch of operations by Finnair, the national airline of Finland, connecting Tirana with Helsinki through direct flights operating twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday.

The opening of this destination marks an important step in strengthening Albania’s links with Northern Europe, while also providing access to Finnair’s extensive network to Asia and major global destinations through its Helsinki hub. Known for its efficiency and strategic geographical position, Helsinki Airport serves as a fast and competitive gateway between Europe and Asia.

This new destination is expected to attract a diverse passenger profile, including tourists exploring Albania as an emerging destination, business travelers seeking efficient connections, and transit passengers benefiting from Finnair’s strong intercontinental network. At the same time, it offers travelers from Albania easy access to Finland and convenient connections to key destinations in Northern Europe and Asia.

The inaugural flight was welcomed at Tirana International Airport with a dedicated ceremony on the runway, which included a traditional water salute, welcome activities for passengers, and a symbolic ceremony with representatives from TIA and Finnair.

Statement from Tirana International Airport

“We are delighted to welcome Finnair to Tirana International Airport and to celebrate the launch of this new direct route to Helsinki. This destination represents an important addition to our growing network, further strengthening the links between Albania and Northern Europe.

Helsinki is an important hub, and through Finnair’s network, this route will offer our passengers expanded travel opportunities not only to Finland, but also to key destinations in Asia. We look forward to building a strong partnership with Finnair and further developing this promising market.”

— Manjola Kaso, Director of Aviation Business Development, Tirana International Airport

Statement from Finnair

“We are pleased to open this new route to Tirana, creating new opportunities for both leisure and business travelers,” says Adam Marciniec, Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Europe at Finnair. “Albania is a new market for Finnair, and this destination strengthens our presence in the Balkans, while offering Albanian travelers easy access to our Helsinki hub and onward to our network in the Nordic and Baltic countries and Asia.”

— Finnair Representative

About the route

• Route: Helsinki (HEL) – Tirana (TIA)
• Frequency: 2 flights per week
• Operating days: Thursday and Sunday

About Finnair

Finnair is a network airline specializing in connecting passenger and cargo traffic between Asia, North America, and Europe. Finnair is the only airline with year-round direct flights to Lapland. Customers have chosen Finnair as the Best Airline in Northern Europe at the Skytrax Awards for 15 consecutive years. Finnair is a member of the oneworld alliance. Shares of Finnair Plc are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.

About Tirana International Airport

Tirana International Airport continues to experience strong growth by expanding its network of destinations and airline partnerships, while investing in infrastructure, technology, and the passenger experience. As Albania’s main gateway, TIA plays a key role in connecting the country with Europe and beyond.