VLORA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Vlora International Airport (VIA) is emerging as one of Albania’s most transformative infrastructural projects and the new gateway to the country’s southern coastline. Positioned at the edge of the Vjosa–Narta Protected Landscape, just minutes from the city of Vlora, the airport plays a key role in strengthening Albania’s connectivity to Europe and the wider Mediterranean region. Designed by XPLAN STUDIO, with the masterplan by Munich Airport International and ADM Sigma, the development encompasses a complete aviation ecosystem: the Passenger Terminal, Control Tower, Firefighting Station, support buildings, and landside/airside infrastructure.

With a 25,000 m² terminal footprint rising to 23 meters, VIA represents one of the most ambitious infrastructural investments in the country, combining architectural innovation with advanced aviation standards.

The terminal is conceived as a sculptural, fluid form inspired by the movement of the Ionian Sea. Its signature roof sweeps gracefully across the building in a continuous wave-like geometry, creating a powerful architectural identity immediately recognizable from both the ground and the air. Large-span structural lines and a triangulated ceiling system generate a dynamic interior atmosphere, where natural light enters generously through full-height glazing, revealing wide open spaces and long visual corridors. Warm materials, soft timber textures, and integrated greenery contribute to a calm, contemporary passenger environment. The interior functions as a seamless linear boulevard, allowing travelers to move intuitively from check-in to security and boarding with uninterrupted visibility and clear spatial hierarchy.

Innovation is central to the project. The terminal’s shell and envelope are optimized for daylight, energy efficiency, and structural economy, while its open, breathable interior, complete with indoor vegetation, creates a healthier, human-centered experience. Passenger flow is designed as a clear, uninterrupted journey with intuitive orientation, minimizing congestion during peak holiday seasons. Beyond the building itself, the surrounding landscape integration is carefully choreographed: sculptural canopies define the drop-off and transport areas, providing shade and visual harmony with the terminal’s roofline, while the overall campus sits respectfully within the ecological character of the Vjosa–Narta environment.

Vlora International Airport is a strategic investment for Albania’s future. By adding a new international entry point on the southern coast, VIA will significantly strengthen the nation’s aviation capacity, alleviate pressure on Tirana International Airport, and support the fast-growing tourism industry. Expected to welcome millions of passengers each year, the airport will stimulate economic development throughout Vlora, Himara, Saranda, and the entire Ionian coastline, benefiting local businesses, hospitality sectors, cultural destinations, and regional employment. It will also enhance Albania’s role as an emerging hub between Central Europe, the Balkans, Italy, and the wider Mediterranean, improving connectivity for trade, business travel, and international partnerships.

Architecturally, VIA stands as a symbol of Albania’s evolving identity modern, confident, and deeply rooted in place. Its fluid silhouette, natural materials, expansive interiors, and landscape-driven design embody a new standard of airport architecture in the region. More than an infrastructure project, Vlora International Airport is envisioned as a landmark of national pride, redefining how Albania connects with the world and marking a new era of regional and global accessibility.

COPYRIGHT

This project is copyrighted and authored by XPLAN STUDIO. All intellectual property rights belong exclusively to XPLAN STUDIO, which holds full and independent rights to publish and communicate the project.