Turkish Airlines (THY) has decided to resume its Istanbul–Tirana flights, which it suspended under its own operations in 2019. As of 23 January 2026, the national flag carrier will once again operate direct flights from Istanbul to Tirana, the capital of Albania.
According to information provided by THY, flights on the Istanbul–Tirana route will be operated with a frequency of 7 flights per week. The services will be operated under flight numbers TK1073, TK1074, TK1077 and TK1078.
The Air Albania era is coming to an end
Turkish Airlines had suspended its own flights on this route as of 2019 and began operating Istanbul–Tirana services via its partner airline, Air Albania. With the new decision, THY will once again operate Tirana flights under its own brand and operational structure.
Direct operation strategy in the Balkans
With the reintroduction of Istanbul–Tirana flights, Turkish Airlines’ flight network in the Balkans will be further strengthened. This step is expected to increase commercial, touristic and cultural mobility between Türkiye and Albania.
From an aviation industry perspective, this development is considered an important part of THY’s strategy to return to direct operations in regional markets.
