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Tirana Airport TIA

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Tirana Airport (TIA) Guide

Discover Tirana Airport, Albania's premier gateway and the only airport in the country with a dedicated museum showcasing its aviation history. Situated near the capital, TIA offers a seamless travel experience. Our concise guide covers everything from flight updates to parking, terminal maps, and where to eat or shop. For a deeper dive into TIA and other airports, explore the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

TIA, with the airport code TIA, has a single terminal building with two levels. The terminal has a total of 16 gates, with 10 gates on the ground level and 6 gates on the upper level. The terminal is divided into two areas: the Arrivals area and the Departures area.

Major airlines that operate at TIA include Aegean Airlines, Air Albania, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. These airlines use different gates at the terminal, so it's important to check your boarding pass or with your airline to know which gate to go to.

Inside the terminal, you can find a variety of services and amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. There are also currency exchange offices, ATMs, and a post office. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At TIA Airport, there is only one terminal for both international and domestic flights. Passengers can easily navigate the airport on foot without the need for any shuttle buses or trains. The terminal is compact and all facilities are located within a short walking distance from each other.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At TIA Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside the terminal buildings. However, it is important to note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times while dropping off or picking up passengers.

If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, the airport provides a free cell-phone waiting area located just a few minutes away from the terminal buildings. This area allows drivers to park their vehicles for up to 30 minutes while waiting for their passengers to arrive. Once your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can call you to let you know that they are ready to be picked up and you can then proceed to the curbside area to collect them.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of the airport, you'll find a variety of parking options to suit your needs. The airport offers both covered and uncovered parking lots, with spaces available for short-term and long-term stays. The parking lots are located within walking distance of the airport terminal, making it easy to get to your gate.

In addition to the on-site parking, there are also off-airport parking options available. These lots are typically located just a few minutes from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. Off-airport parking can be a more economical option for travelers who are looking to save money on parking fees.

If you're picking up someone from the airport, there is a cell phone waiting area available where you can wait for your party to arrive. This area is located just outside the terminal and provides a convenient place to park while you wait.

For those who require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in the on-site parking lots. These spaces are located close to the terminal and are easily accessible for those with mobility issues.

Get details about TIA parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Tirana Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Sixt offering their services. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace.

Taxi services are also available outside the terminal building, with designated drop-off areas located near the main entrance. Fares are reasonable and can vary depending on the destination. It is recommended to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi to avoid any misunderstandings.

Shared ride services are another option for travelers, with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. However, there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed per ride.

Airport shuttles are available for those who prefer a more convenient and hassle-free option. The service is provided by various companies and can be booked in advance or upon arrival. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination.

For those looking for a budget-friendly option, public transportation is available at the airport. Buses run regularly from the airport to the city center and other destinations. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and fares are affordable.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be exhausting, especially when it includes long-haul flights. The last thing you want to worry about after landing is finding a comfortable place to rest. Luckily, we have compiled a list of hotels that cater to different needs and budgets. From luxury four-star establishments to budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone. These hotels not only offer a comfortable stay but also provide amenities such as restaurants, bars, free parking, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free experience for air travelers. If you are ready to book now, view all TIA Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

At the airport, travelers can find a variety of dining and shopping options to make their airport experience more enjoyable. For those looking for a quick bite, there are several fast food options available, including McDonald's and KFC. For a more sit-down dining experience, we recommend trying out Sky Bar & Restaurant, located on the second floor of the airport. Here, travelers can enjoy a meal while overlooking the runway.

When it comes to shopping, Tirana Airport has a range of stores to choose from. For travelers looking for souvenirs or gifts, we recommend visiting the Albanian Artisan Shop, located in the Departures area. For those in need of travel essentials, there is a Relay convenience store located in both the Departures and Arrivals areas. And for luxury shopping, there is a Hugo Boss store located in the Departures area.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at Tirana Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here.

Passenger Services

Tirana Airport, located in Albania, offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience more comfortable and convenient.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the airport's lost and found service is located in the arrivals area of the terminal.

Traveling with children? TIA has a designated children's play area located near the departure gates.

Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, there are several ATMs located throughout the terminal.

In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the departures area of the terminal.

Flight Status Info

When traveling by air, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of your flight. Luckily, there are several ways to check the flight status at TIA Airport in Albania.

One option is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can easily locate their flight on the display and check for any updates.

Another option is to download the mobile app of the airline you are flying with. These apps often provide push notifications, text messages, or emails to alert passengers of any changes to their flight status, including departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes. This is a convenient way to stay informed while on the go.

Lastly, passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at TIA Airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. This will allow you enough time to check-in, go through security, and find your gate. The busiest times at the airport are during the summer months and holidays, so it is best to avoid traveling during these times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to the airport is by taxi or private car. There is also a public bus that runs from the city center to the airport, but it can be crowded and unreliable. If you are driving yourself, there is parking available at the airport for a fee.

Getting Oriented

When you arrive at Tirana Airport, it is recommended to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps will show you where your gate is located, as well as other important areas such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and restrooms. You can also use the maps to find restaurants and shops in the airport.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Tirana Airport, make sure to arrive early and allow enough time for check-in and security. It is also recommended to check the status of your flight before you leave for the airport, as delays and cancellations can occur. If you do experience a delay, stay informed by checking the airport's website or speaking to airport staff. You can also bring a book or electronic device to keep yourself entertained while you wait.

Airport Facts & Stats

Tirana Airport, also known as Mother Teresa International Airport, is the main international airport in Albania. It is located 17 km northwest of the capital city, Tirana, and serves as a hub for the national carrier, Air Albania.

The airport has one terminal building, which handles both domestic and international flights. It has a capacity to handle up to 1.5 million passengers per year.

The top airlines with the most daily flights from Tirana Airport are Air Albania, Alitalia, and Wizz Air. On average, the airport handles around 5,000 passengers per day and operates around 60 flights per day.

TIA serves a number of destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. On average, it serves around 30 destinations per year. The top 5 destinations served from TIA Airport are Rome, Istanbul, Vienna, Milan, and London.

In addition to Air Albania, other airlines that use the airport as a hub include Wizz Air, Adria Airways, and Blue Panorama Airlines.

Airport History

Tirana Airport, also known as Mother Teresa International Airport, is the main international airport in Albania and serves the capital city of Tirana. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1940s.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1947: The airport was first established as a military airfield.
  • 1957: The airport began operating commercial flights.
  • 1960s: The airport underwent major expansion and modernization, including the construction of a new terminal building.
  • 1992: The airport was renamed in honor of Mother Teresa, the Albanian-born Catholic nun who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
  • 2003: A new terminal building was opened, increasing the airport's capacity to handle more passengers and flights.
  • 2017: Tirana Airport was privatized and is now operated by a consortium of international companies.
  • 2020: The airport was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but has since reopened with enhanced health and safety measures in place.

Today, TIA is a modern and efficient airport that serves as an important gateway to Albania and the wider Balkan region.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Tirana International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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