Air Albania, in which Turkish Airlines has decided to transfer its 49% shareholding, has halted all flights after its licence was suspended by the Civil Aviation Authority on the grounds of regulatory non-compliance. The carrier has not operated any services since 7 December, and its Istanbul and Milan flights have been cancelled.
According to reports in the Albanian press, Air Albania — which has reportedly been loss-making for nearly seven years — had been struggling to maintain operations like many airlines facing deepening financial difficulties in the second half of the year. Following the suspension decision by the Civil Aviation Authority, the airline’s operating licence has been halted indefinitely until all obligations required by the Civil Aviation Act are fully met.
Flights halted on 7 December: Istanbul and Milan cancellations expanded
It has been confirmed that the airline has not operated any flights since 7 December, with the cancellations particularly affecting Istanbul and Milan services.
FlightAware data also shows that none of the planned services on these routes have operated this week from Tirana International Airport (TIA).
Travel agencies have stated that Air Albania completely ceased operations as of Saturday, adding that passengers planning intercontinental connections via Istanbul were redirected to Pristina and Podgorica airports.
Critical phase after Turkish Airlines’ share-sale decision
The timing of the licence suspension coincides with Turkish Airlines’ decision to sell its 49% stake in Air Albania, increasing uncertainty over the airline’s future.
The Civil Aviation Authority emphasises that, for the decision to be reversed, Air Albania must fully comply with all regulatory requirements.
