International Vlora Airport, currently under construction near Akerni in the Vjosa Wild River National Park, is set to open in March 2025. It will be the third international airport in Albania, aiming to stimulate economic growth and tourism in the region. However, its construction has sparked significant controversy due to environmental concerns.
Historical Context
The idea for the International Vlora Airport emerged in January 2018 when a Turkish consortium proposed its construction as part of a regional project to establish Albania’s national carrier, Air Albania, and reduce airfare prices. Despite initial involvement, the Turkish consortium withdrew from the initiative a year later. In 2019, the Albanian government announced a new project encompassing the construction of a marina and an agritourism complex.
The tender for the airport’s construction was temporarily suspended by the Albanian government on March 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, in April 2021, an international tender was won by a consortium consisting of Mabco Constructions, the Turkish YDA Group, and the Kosovar 2A Group Shpk. The airport construction officially began on November 28, 2021, and is expected to last 36 months.
Environmental Controversies
The construction of Vlora Airport within the protected Vjosa-Narta area contradicts national regulations and international biodiversity conservation conventions that Albania has ratified. The Vjosa Wild River National Park is a candidate for the Emerald network, which protects over 62 bird species listed in the EU Birds Directive. The Bern Convention has called on the Albanian government to reconsider plans to build the airport on this protected site.
The airport, designed to handle wide-body aircraft and set to be the largest in the country, could significantly impact economic development and tourism. However, it also poses a serious threat to the biodiversity of the area. Narta Lagoon, the planned location of the airport, is an important habitat for migratory birds, raising concerns about potential aircraft-bird collisions.
Community Responses
Environmental and social organizations, including the Albanian Ornithological Society, have opposed the project, arguing that the construction of an airport so close to the existing airport in Tirana is unjustified. The European Parliament and the European Commission have also criticized the airport’s construction, urging the Albanian government to halt this environmentally harmful project.
In summary, while the International Vlora Airport has the potential to boost tourism and economic growth in Albania, its construction in the protected Vjosa-Narta area raises serious environmental concerns. Continuing the project despite these concerns may have long-term negative consequences for the region’s unique natural environment.
QUESTIONS: International Vlora Airport
1. When is the International Vlora Airport planned to open?
The International Vlora Airport is planned to open in March 2025. Construction began on November 28, 2021, and is expected to last 36 months.
2. Where exactly is the Vlora Airport located?
The Vlora Airport is being constructed near the town of Akerni, within the boundaries of the Vjosa Wild River National Park in Albania.
3. Why is the construction of Vlora Airport controversial?
The controversy surrounding the airport’s construction stems from its location within the protected Vjosa-Narta area. This area is home to many bird species and other forms of biodiversity, raising concerns about the negative impact of the construction on the natural environment.
4. Who is responsible for the construction of the Vlora Airport?
The construction of the airport is being handled by a consortium consisting of Mabco Constructions, the Turkish YDA Group, and the Kosovar 2A Group Shpk. This consortium won the international tender in April 2021.
5. What are the goals of building the International Vlora Airport?
The main goal of building the airport is to stimulate economic growth and tourism in the Vlora region and across Albania. The airport is designed to handle wide-body aircraft, increasing the region’s accessibility for international tourists.
6. What were the main historical milestones related to the airport project?
The idea for the airport emerged in January 2018. Initially, a Turkish consortium proposed its construction as part of a larger project, including the creation of Albania’s national carrier, Air Albania. The consortium withdrew a year later. The project was revived in 2019, and the international tender for the airport’s construction was awarded in April 2021.
7. Which organizations oppose the airport’s construction and why?
Various environmental and social organizations, such as the Albanian Ornithological Society, along with the European Parliament and the European Commission, oppose the airport’s construction. The primary reason for their opposition is the potential negative impact on biodiversity and the natural environment of the Vjosa-Narta area, including migratory birds.
8. What actions have been taken in response to environmental opposition?
The Albanian government has been urged by the Bern Convention to reconsider the plans to build the airport in the protected area. Despite international pressure, the construction continues as planned.
9. What are the potential benefits of opening the Vlora Airport?
The airport’s opening has the potential to bring significant economic benefits, including increased tourism, the development of local businesses, and the creation of new jobs. It may also lower air travel costs in Albania.
10. What are the possible negative impacts of the Vlora Airport’s construction?
The biggest concerns are the negative impact on the natural environment, particularly the bird habitats in the Narta Lagoon. There is a risk of aircraft-bird collisions, posing a threat to both aviation safety and the region’s biodiversity. The airport’s construction might also violate international nature conservation conventions ratified by Albania.
11. What will be the main functions of the International Vlora Airport?
The International Vlora Airport will handle both passenger and cargo flights, with infrastructure designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft. The airport aims to become a significant transportation hub, supporting tourism and transport development in the region.
12. Will the International Vlora Airport handle domestic flights?
Yes, the airport will handle both international and domestic flights, aiming to improve accessibility to the Vlora region for tourists and Albanian residents.
13. What safety measures will be implemented at Vlora Airport?
The Vlora Airport will be equipped with modern security systems, including advanced passenger and baggage screening technologies. Standard aviation security procedures will also be implemented in accordance with international norms.
14. What services and amenities will be available at the airport?
The airport will offer various services and amenities, such as shops, restaurants, car rentals, information points, and passenger relaxation areas. VIP services and lounges are also planned.
15. Will the construction of Vlora Airport affect airfare prices?
One of the goals of building the airport is to reduce air travel costs to and from Albania by increasing competition among airlines. The increased number of flight connections and new routes are expected to contribute to lower ticket prices.
16. What measures will be taken to minimize the airport’s environmental impact?
To minimize environmental impact, various actions are planned, such as implementing advanced environmental management systems, protecting natural habitats where possible, and monitoring the airport’s activities’ impact on local fauna and flora.
17. What significance does the Vlora Airport have for the local economy?
The Vlora Airport is crucial for the local economy as it will create new jobs, attract investments, and increase tourist traffic in the region. It can also support the development of the services sector and entrepreneurship.
18. Will the airport have connections to other modes of transportation?
Yes, the airport will be well-connected to other transportation modes, including national and local roads. Public transport connections are also planned to facilitate passenger access to and from the airport.
19. Which airlines will operate at the Vlora Airport?
Both international and domestic airlines will operate at the Vlora Airport. Specific airlines that will serve the airport will be announced closer to the opening date.
20. What are the future prospects for the International Vlora Airport?
The future prospects for the airport are promising. It is expected to become an important transportation hub in the Balkans region, contributing to Albania’s further economic and tourism development. However, realizing these prospects will depend on effectively managing the environmental impact and responsibly exploiting the airport’s infrastructure.
