TIRANA, April 27 /ATA/ The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has assigned the code “VLO” to Vlorë Airport for airport operations and ticket sales. 

The news was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku. 

“IATA (the International Air Transport Association) has reviewed Vlorë International Airport’s application, found it in line with international standards, and officially assigned it the airport and ticketing code: VLO,” Balluku wrote. 

IATA represents the highest standard in air travel, aligned with global safety and quality benchmarks. It offers access to the world’s leading airlines, competitive fares—often lower than those on official airline websites—and requires travel agencies to be accredited by IATA to benefit from these services. 

This allows travel agencies to sell tickets on behalf of leading international airline companies in the market. 

Currently, there are over 54,000 IATA-accredited travel agents operating across 217 countries and territories worldwide. 

A few days ago, Minister Balluku stated that “in the first days of May, Air Albania will operate the inaugural flight, landing on the largest runway in the Balkans, measuring 3.2 kilometers.” 

Vlorë International Airport (VIA) is expected to become another major gateway for visitors choosing Albania as a destination for travel and leisure. 

This airport will serve as the gateway to Southern Albania and a hub for tourism development. It is taking shape to become the country’s main airport, operating under over three business models: civil aviation, aircraft maintenance, and full-scale cargo. It will feature a terminal spanning 22,000 square meters. 

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