Vlora International Airport (IATA: VLO, ICAO: LAVL) opens for commercial flights in summer 2026, making it the closest airport to the Albanian Riviera and a direct alternative to flying into Tirana. Located near the village of Akerni (Albanian: Akërni), roughly 10 km north of Vlora (Greek: Αυλώνα, Albanian: Vlorë), the airport puts you about 75 km from Himara (Greek: Χειμάρρα, Albanian: Himarë) — versus 230 km from Tirana International Airport. If you are heading to the southern Albanian coast in 2026, this airport changes the math on how you get there.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| IATA / ICAO | VLO / LAVL |
| Location | Akerni, ~10 km north of Vlora |
| Runway | 3,200 m x 60 m (can handle A330 / B777) |
| Terminal | 22,000 sq m |
| Phase 1 capacity | Up to 2 million passengers/year |
| First commercial flight | June 26, 2026 (Chair Airlines, Zurich) |
| Distance to Himara | ~75 km / 1-1.5 hours by car |
| Distance to Saranda | ~155 km / 2.5-3 hours by car |
Airlines and Routes in 2026
As of early 2026, one airline has confirmed scheduled service from Vlora Airport:
Chair Airlines (Swiss carrier, part of the Germania Flug group) will operate Zurich (ZRH) to Vlora (VLO) twice weekly from June 26 to October 23, 2026. The routing includes a stop in Araxos/Patras (GPA), with service operated by Airbus A319 aircraft. Flight time from Zurich is approximately 2 hours 10 minutes.
What About Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet?
These three carriers have publicly expressed interest in Vlora Airport, but none have announced confirmed routes for summer 2026. Ryanair is opening a new base at Tirana (TIA) in April 2026 with 10 routes. Wizz Air is adding Stockholm and Billund routes — also from Tirana. For now, budget carrier access to southern Albania still means flying into Tirana and transferring south.
Air Albania has indicated plans to eventually use Vlora as a hub, but no specific 2026 schedule has been published. Additional airlines are expected for 2027 and beyond as the airport establishes itself.
If you are booking flights for summer 2026, the realistic options are:
- Zurich to Vlora direct on Chair Airlines (if the schedule fits)
- Any European city to Tirana on Ryanair, Wizz Air, or others, then transfer south
- Corfu, then ferry to Saranda, then drive north to the Riviera
Seasonal Note
Chair Airlines operates the Zurich-Vlora route from late June through late October only. Outside this window, Vlora Airport will have no scheduled commercial service in its first year. For shoulder season or winter travel, Tirana International Airport remains your only option by air.
Terminal Facilities
Vlora Airport's terminal is a new-build, modern facility at 22,000 square meters — larger than initially planned to accommodate growth. Expected facilities include:
- Duty-free shopping
- Cafes and food outlets
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Pharmacy and first-aid station
- PRM (reduced mobility) services
- Family facilities
- Car rental desks
The airport was designed with sustainability features including solar panels generating 5.2 MWh of renewable energy. Parking is adjacent to the terminal with short-term rates expected around 200 ALL/hour (approximately 2 EUR) and long-term rates of 600-800 ALL/day (6-8 EUR). EV charging bays are planned near the terminal entrance.
Since this is a brand-new airport in its first commercial season, expect some facilities to be limited at launch. Check-in counters, security, and arrivals will function, but retail and dining options may ramp up gradually through the summer.
Getting from Vlora Airport to the Albanian Riviera
This is where Vlora Airport's location pays off. The drive south follows the SH8 coastal highway, one of the most scenic roads in Europe, passing through the Llogara Pass or — as of 2025 — the new Llogara Tunnel.
Llogara Tunnel vs. Llogara Pass
The Llogara Tunnel (5.9 km) opened for summer traffic in 2025 and reduces the Dukat-to-Palasa section from approximately 30-40 minutes of hairpin curves to just 7 minutes. For summer 2026, the tunnel is expected to be open for the season (it was free in 2025, toll pricing may apply in 2026). The old Llogara Pass road remains open and is worth driving at least once for the views — but for a transfer with luggage after a flight, the tunnel is the practical choice.
Transfer Options from Vlora Airport
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time (Tunnel) | Drive Time (Pass) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vlora city center | 10 km | 15-25 min | 15-25 min |
| Dhermi (Greek: Δρυμμάδες, Albanian: Dhërmi) | ~55 km | 50-70 min | 1h 10min-1h 30min |
| Himara | ~75 km | 1h-1h 15min | 1h 30min-1h 45min |
| Qeparo (Greek: Κηπαρό, Albanian: Qeparoi) | ~85 km | 1h 10min-1h 25min | 1h 40min-2h |
| Borsh (Greek: Μπόρσι, Albanian: Borsh) | ~105 km | 1h 30min-1h 50min | 2h-2h 20min |
| Saranda (Greek: Άγιοι Σαράντα, Albanian: Sarandë) | ~155 km | 2h 15min-2h 45min | 2h 45min-3h 15min |
| Ksamil (Albanian: Ksamil) | ~165 km | 2h 30min-3h | 3h-3h 30min |
Drive times assume normal summer traffic. Add 20-30 minutes for peak August weekends when the coastal road gets busy around Dhermi and Himara.
Transfer Pricing
| Method | Vlora City | Dhermi | Himara | Saranda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked taxi/transfer | 2,000-3,000 ALL (20-30 EUR) | 5,000-6,000 ALL (50-60 EUR) | 6,000-8,000 ALL (60-80 EUR) | 12,000-15,000 ALL (120-150 EUR) |
| Bus (Vlora to destination) | N/A | Not direct | 800-1,000 ALL (8-10 EUR) | 1,000-1,200 ALL (10-12 EUR) |
| Car rental (per day) | 3,000-5,000 ALL (30-50 EUR) | Same — drive yourself | Same | Same |
Important: Taxi prices above are estimates based on current Vlora-area transfer rates. As the airport is new, official airport taxi pricing may differ. Pre-booking a transfer through your hotel or a platform like Welcome Pickups or RivieraBus is recommended for your first arrival.
Bus Connections
There is no direct bus from Vlora Airport to the Riviera towns yet. Your bus options require getting to Vlora city center first, then catching a southbound service:
- Vlora to Himara: Several daily departures, 1h 15min-2h 30min, 800-1,000 ALL (8-10 EUR). Operators include Bregasi and Transbus Saranda.
- Vlora to Saranda: Multiple daily buses, 3-4 hours, approximately 1,000-1,500 ALL (10-15 EUR).
A shuttle or taxi from the airport to Vlora bus station adds roughly 15-25 minutes and 2,000-3,000 ALL (20-30 EUR). For budget travelers, this two-step connection still works out significantly cheaper and faster than the Tirana alternative.
For full bus schedule details, see our practical info page.
Car Rental at the Airport
Car rental desks from major agencies are expected to operate at Vlora Airport from launch. Booking in advance is strongly recommended for summer 2026, especially in July and August. A rental car is the most flexible option for exploring the Riviera, since public transport along the coast is limited and the beaches worth visiting are spread across 100+ km.
For detailed advice on renting a vehicle, insurance requirements, and road tips, see our car and scooter rental guide.
Vlora Airport vs. Tirana Airport: Which to Choose?
This is the practical question. Here is how the two airports compare for reaching the main Riviera destinations:
| Factor | Vlora Airport (VLO) | Tirana Airport (TIA) |
|---|---|---|
| Airlines (summer 2026) | Chair Airlines (Zurich only) | Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air Albania, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and 20+ others |
| Route options | 1 confirmed route | 50+ destinations across Europe |
| Ticket prices | Limited competition = higher fares | Budget carriers = competitive fares |
| Distance to Himara | ~75 km (1-1.5h) | ~230 km (4-5h) |
| Distance to Dhermi | ~55 km (50-70 min) | ~210 km (3.5-4.5h) |
| Distance to Saranda | ~155 km (2.5-3h) | ~280 km (4.5-5.5h) |
| Transfer cost to Himara | 60-80 EUR (taxi) | 130-160 EUR (taxi) or 15 EUR (bus) |
| Year-round service | No (seasonal only in 2026) | Yes |
| Car rental availability | Limited (new airport) | Full selection from all major agencies |
When Vlora Airport Wins
- You are flying from Zurich (or a city with a Zurich connection)
- Your destination is Dhermi, Himara, or anywhere on the northern Riviera
- You want to minimize transfer time and get to the beach the same day you land
- You are traveling in peak summer (late June to late October)
When Tirana Airport Wins
- You need a budget airline fare from most European cities
- You are traveling outside of summer
- You want maximum car rental choice
- Your itinerary includes Tirana, Berat, or northern Albania before heading south
- You want to combine the Riviera with the rest of Albania
The Hybrid Strategy
For a 2026 Riviera trip, consider flying into Tirana and out of Vlora (or vice versa) if Chair Airlines' schedule aligns with your dates. This avoids the dead-end transfer back north and lets you see more of the country. Rent a car at Tirana, drive south through Berat or along the coast, explore the Riviera, then drop the car at Vlora Airport and fly home via Zurich. One-way car rental drop-off fees will apply, but you eliminate 4+ hours of backtracking.
Practical Tips for Vlora Airport in 2026
Arrive early for the novelty factor. First-season airports sometimes have growing pains — check-in processes, security staffing, and ground handling may be slower than at established airports. Give yourself extra time.
Cash and cards. ATMs are expected at the terminal. Bring some Albanian Lek (ALL) for the taxi or bus to Vlora. For current exchange rates: 1 EUR is roughly 100 ALL. Most car rental agencies and pre-booked transfers accept cards. See our money and ATM guide for more.
Mobile data. Pick up a local SIM or activate an eSIM before you land. Coverage on the SH8 coast road is generally good but can drop in some mountain sections. See our SIM card guide.
Offline maps. Download the Vlora-Saranda stretch on Google Maps or Maps.me before you leave the airport. The Llogara Pass and some coastal sections have unreliable data coverage.
Pre-book your transfer. Since airport taxi infrastructure will be new and possibly limited, don't assume you can walk out and hail a cab easily. Hotels along the Riviera can usually arrange a pickup. Ask when you book your accommodation.
What This Means for Riviera Travel
Vlora Airport is a significant development for the Albanian Riviera, but in 2026 it is still in its first season. One airline, one route, seasonal operation. The real impact will come in 2027 and beyond as more carriers add service and the airport matures.
For summer 2026, think of Vlora Airport as a shortcut if it fits your routing — not as the default gateway. Tirana remains the workhorse airport with vastly more flight options and lower fares. But if you can connect through Zurich, or if more airlines announce routes before summer, landing at Vlora and being on a Riviera beach within 90 minutes of touchdown is a hard offer to beat.
For the detailed transfer breakdown from Vlora Airport to Himara specifically, see our Vlora Airport to Himara transfer guide. For the return trip, see the Himara to Vlora Airport departure guide. And for a full comparison of airport options including Corfu, see closest airport to Himara.
FAQ
Is Vlora Airport open in 2026?
Yes. The first scheduled commercial flight is June 26, 2026, operated by Chair Airlines from Zurich. The airport received its IATA code (VLO) in April 2025 and completed certification flights in May 2025. Service runs seasonally through late October 2026.
What is the IATA code for Vlora Airport?
The IATA code is VLO and the ICAO code is LAVL. You can search for flights using either code on booking platforms, though availability in 2026 is limited to Chair Airlines' Zurich route.
How do I get from Vlora Airport to Himara?
The drive is approximately 75 km and takes 1-1.5 hours via the Llogara Tunnel or Pass. Options include pre-booked taxi (60-80 EUR), rental car (30-50 EUR/day), or bus via Vlora city (8-10 EUR but requires a connection). For full details, see our transfer guide.
Do Ryanair or Wizz Air fly to Vlora Airport?
Not in 2026. Both airlines have expressed interest, but their confirmed 2026 Albania routes operate from Tirana International Airport (TIA). Additional carriers are expected to announce Vlora routes for 2027 as the airport establishes operations.
Should I fly into Vlora or Tirana for the Albanian Riviera?
It depends on your origin city and dates. If Chair Airlines' Zurich route works for your trip, Vlora saves 3+ hours of transfer time to the Riviera. For most travelers in 2026, Tirana offers far more flight options and lower fares from budget carriers. Consider flying into one and out of the other to avoid backtracking.
