Flights To Paradise? RYANAIR’S New Base Brings Ksamil Closer
Ryanair has announced plans to establish a new base at Tirana Airport in Albania, giving travellers across the UK and Europe even more options. Starting in April 2026, the low-cost airline will station three aircraft there and launch ten new routes, including flights from Birmingham. You’ll also see new connections to cities like Dublin, Verona, Malta, and Milan, plus more flights from London.
Passengers will have access to 450 weekly flights across 33 routes. And that’s just the beginning, Ryanair plans to double its presence in Tirana by adding three more aircraft. With this expansion, the airline expects to carry over 4 million passengers a year. According to Ryanair, the move reflects the rising popularity of Albania, now gaining attention as one of Europe’s most exciting holiday spots.
While Tirana is popular for short city breaks, much of Albania’s tourism spotlight is drawn south to Ksamil. Known as the "Maldives of Europe," the beach town features turquoise waters, white sands, and small islands that can be reached by canoe or boat. Situated around four hours from the capital, Ksamil has become a must-see location, drawing more international visitors each year.
Albanian tour guides Jack and Manon Dushku describe Ksamil Beach as the jewel of the country’s Riviera. They highlight its tropical feel and accessibility and note the growing popularity of southern coastal towns. The Albanian Tourist Board reported more than 8.3 million international arrivals in 2023, a rise of nearly four million compared with 2022. The figures underline Albania’s shift into the mainstream of European tourism.
Competition is also increasing, with Wizz Air set to launch direct flights from London Gatwick to Tirana later this year. Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary, however, maintains his airline remains the only "true low-fare" operator in Albania. He emphasised the partnership with Tirana Airport, which began in 2023, and said traffic will exceed four million passengers in 2026. Airport officials echoed the sentiment, calling the expansion part of Albania’s "Low Fares Revolution."
