In recent years, the aviation landscape in Southeastern Europe has undergone significant transformation, and the first quarter of 2025 stands as a pivotal moment in the region’s air travel expansion. Tirana, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, and the new Vlora International Airport in Albania have emerged as some of the fastest-growing airports in Europe, reflecting broader trends of increased connectivity, booming tourism, and ongoing infrastructure development. These airports, once considered secondary hubs, are now at the forefront of a rapidly evolving aviation market, attracting increasing numbers of both passengers and airlines.
This article takes a deeper look into the factors driving the surge in air traffic at these airports and explores the broader implications for the Balkans, as well as the aviation industry in general.
The Rise of Southeastern European Airports
Historically, airports in the Balkans have been overshadowed by larger hubs in Western Europe. However, recent years have witnessed a shift, as cities like Tirana, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, and Vlora are becoming key players in the region’s air travel network. By Q1 2025, all five of these airports saw remarkable increases in passenger traffic, with some even surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
1. Tirana International Airport (TIA) – Albania’s Gateway to the World
Tirana International Airport (TIA), Albania’s largest and busiest airport, has experienced consistent growth in recent years, with Q1 2025 marking an especially strong surge. Albania, often overlooked as a tourist destination, has steadily gained international recognition for its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and emerging hospitality industry. As a result, Tirana’s airport has seen increased international traffic, especially from Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
A key factor in the airport’s growth has been the increase in low-cost carriers (LCCs) operating from Tirana. Airlines such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet have expanded their routes, making travel to Albania more affordable and accessible. These carriers have significantly contributed to the growing number of inbound tourists as well as the increasing volume of Albanian expatriates traveling to visit family and friends.
In addition, Tirana International Airport has been investing in infrastructure to accommodate the growth. Recent terminal expansions and the introduction of modern amenities have enhanced the passenger experience, making it a more attractive hub for airlines and travelers. As Albania continues to position itself as a major player in the Mediterranean tourism market, Tirana’s airport will likely remain a key part of the region’s growth story.
2. Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) – Bosnia’s Emerging Air Travel Hub
Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is not only a cultural and historical hotspot but also an increasingly important air travel hub in the Balkans. Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) has experienced a sharp rise in passenger numbers, particularly in Q1 2025. The airport is benefiting from both increased leisure and business traffic, as well as its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has long been a destination for travelers seeking a blend of Eastern and Western influences, but it’s only in recent years that the country has seen significant increases in international flights. The Sarajevo Winter Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, has helped boost demand for air travel. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air have expanded routes into Sarajevo, increasing the number of international connections available.
Bosnia’s political and economic climate, while still fragile, has stabilized over the past decade, making the country more attractive to investors and tourists alike. As Bosnia continues to integrate more closely with the European Union and other international bodies, the growth of Sarajevo’s airport is likely to accelerate further, with an increasing number of airlines looking to capitalize on this emerging market.
3. Zagreb Airport (ZAG) – Croatia’s Booming Gateway
Zagreb Airport (ZAG), the largest and busiest airport in Croatia, has long been a vital hub for international travel to the Adriatic region. However, in recent years, the airport has seen dramatic growth, with Q1 2025 marking a new high point in passenger traffic. This increase is largely attributed to Croatia’s booming tourism industry, which has seen a remarkable recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since joining the European Union in 2013, Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from both within the EU and beyond. Zagreb, the country’s capital, serves as a gateway for visitors not just to the city but also to the entire Croatian coast, which is one of the most popular summer vacation spots in Europe. The city’s proximity to other Balkan countries, such as Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia, also makes Zagreb Airport a key transit hub for regional travelers.
Furthermore, Croatia’s recent adoption of the Euro has also helped boost investor confidence and make travel even easier. ZAG has benefited from new routes operated by international airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France, while low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair have also expanded their presence in the market.
Infrastructure upgrades, including a newly renovated terminal and improved runway facilities, have been crucial in helping Zagreb handle the increasing passenger flow. The airport is expected to continue expanding, with future investments aimed at keeping pace with the region’s growing demand for air travel.
4. Pristina International Airport (PRN) – Kosovo’s Rising Star
In recent years, Pristina International Airport (PRN) has gained a reputation as one of the fastest-growing airports in the Balkans, and Q1 2025 has been a particularly strong period for the airport. Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, remains a small yet dynamic country, and its airport is a focal point for both the growing diaspora and the increasing number of tourists visiting the region.
Kosovo’s large diaspora, particularly in Western Europe, has driven much of the traffic to Pristina International Airport. The majority of Kosovo’s emigrant population resides in Germany, Switzerland, and the UK, and they frequently travel back home to visit family and friends. Additionally, Pristina is also becoming a more attractive destination for international tourists seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Balkans.
Pristina’s airport has capitalized on these trends, with new routes launched by carriers like Wizz Air and Swiss International Air Lines, among others. The influx of international travelers and the strong support from the diaspora community have enabled PRN to see record-breaking passenger numbers in recent years.
As Kosovo continues to grow as a travel destination and improve its international standing, Pristina Airport will likely play an even more significant role in connecting Kosovo with the rest of the world.
5. New Vlora International Airport – Albania’s Emerging Aviation Hub
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments in Albanian aviation is the construction of the New Vlora International Airport. Scheduled to be completed in 2025, the airport is expected to become a major gateway for Albania, connecting the country’s southern region with domestic and international destinations. Vlora, located along Albania’s stunning Ionian coast, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and proximity to the UNESCO-listed town of Gjirokastër.
The New Vlora International Airport is poised to provide a significant boost to Albania’s tourism industry, offering direct flights to key markets in Europe and beyond. The development of this airport is part of Albania’s broader strategy to expand its aviation network and to alleviate pressure on Tirana International Airport, which has seen rising passenger traffic in recent years. Vlora’s strategic location, situated near Albania’s main tourist areas, makes it an ideal hub for boosting the country’s appeal to international visitors.
The construction of this new airport represents a significant infrastructure investment in the region, with modern terminal facilities, a long runway capable of handling larger aircraft, and state-of-the-art amenities. The airport is expected to attract major international airlines and facilitate increased regional and international connectivity. Moreover, it is likely to stimulate local economic development, create jobs, and encourage further foreign investment in Albania’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
The Key Drivers of Growth
Several key factors explain why airports in Tirana, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, and Vlora have emerged as some of the fastest-growing in Europe:
- Increased Connectivity: More direct international flights are now available to and from these airports, thanks to expanded networks by major carriers and low-cost airlines. Improved connectivity with Western Europe, the Middle East, and even North America has been a major driver of growth.
- Tourism Boom: The Balkans have become an increasingly attractive destination for international tourists. From Albania’s rugged coast to Sarajevo’s historical charm, tourists are flocking to the region in growing numbers, which is reflected in the increased demand for air travel.
- Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs): Airlines like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet have played a major role in making air travel more affordable and accessible in the region, resulting in significant growth in passenger numbers.
- Infrastructure Development: All five airports have invested in modernizing their infrastructure. Terminal expansions, new runways, and state-of-the-art amenities are helping to accommodate growing traffic and improve the overall passenger experience.
- Economic and Political Stability: The gradual stabilization of political and economic conditions in many Balkan countries has fostered a more favorable environment for growth. As these nations continue their integration into the European Union and other international organizations, investment in infrastructure and air connectivity has followed suit.
The rapid growth of Tirana, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, and the New Vlora International Airport is a testament to the changing dynamics of air travel in Southeastern Europe. With strong demand from both tourists and the diaspora, these airports have become critical connectors for the region, providing enhanced access to both established European markets and emerging ones further afield.
As infrastructure continues to improve and new routes are added, these airports will only become more integral to the broader European and global air travel network. The growth seen in Q1 2025 is likely just the beginning, and the future for these airports—and the regions they serve—looks bright. With increasing global attention on the Balkans, the skies above Tirana, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Pristina, and Vlora will undoubtedly continue to fill with more flights in the years to come.
