Prishtina, 24 January, 2024
In the wake of today’s activities, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the official ceremony after the opening of the air corridors between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania, which reduce travel time by 8-12 minutes.
Prime Minister Kurti called this development a step of progress, efficiency and responsibility towards the environment, while in particular he thanked all our international partners who played a key role in facilitating the opening of these air corridors.
“By shortening the trajectory of flights to and from Kosovo, travel time reduced by 8 – 12 minutes. “The reduction in flight time translates into significant reductions in fuel consumption, thus minimizing carbon dioxide emissions,” he stated. This is in line with our commitment to environmental sustainability and the global fight against climate change.
With the new air corridors, in addition to the environmental and infrastructural benefits, our emigrants also benefit with the increased opportunities for more affordable ticket prices and for new destinations to and from Pristina International Airport, “Adem Jashari”.
In this regard, the prime minister mentioned the essential investment of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo with 34 million euros, the runway extension project that includes the establishment of the instrumental landing system and radio communication systems at the International Airport of Pristina “Adem Jashari”. From this investment, flights to Pristina can land even in conditions with lower visibility, and since Pristina Airport also serves as an alternative airport for regional airports in cases where they are unable to operate in the conditions of reduced visibility, consequently this also affects the increase in the number of travelers to us.
He also thanked all our international partners who played a key role in facilitating the opening of these air corridors, adding that this cooperation has brought us closer to the complete normalization of the lower airspace of the Republic of Kosovo.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Liburn Aliu, said that we are holding this activity that marks the opening of an important corridor between Kosovo and Albania, which has multiple positive impacts for the citizens, for whom it saves time and budget, as well also for the environment that we all share.
In the premises of AShNA, in this ceremony, in addition to Prime Minister Kurti and Minister Aliu, the ambassador of Germany, Jörn Rohde, the ambassador of Albania, Petrit Malaj, the ambassador of Austria, George Schnetzer, the director of the Air Aviation Services Agency, were also present. Samir Bllacaku, Deputy Minister of MMPHI, Hysen Durmishi and deputy ambassadors of international partner countries.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Dear Mr. Liburn Aliu, Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure, Liburn Aliu
Your Excellency, Mr. Jörn Rohde, Ambassador of Germany,
Your Excellency, Mr. Petrit Malaj, Ambassador of Albania,
Your Excellency, Mr. George Schnetzer, Ambassador of Austria
Dear Mr. Samir Bllacaku, Director of the Air Aviation Services Agency,
Dear Mr. Hysen Durmishi, Deputy Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Infrastructure,
Deputy Ambassador of the United States of America, Germany and Switzerland, Mrs. Grunder, Mr. Conrad, Mr. Fuchs,
Dear attendees,
Ladies and gentleman,
We have gathered today at the Air Navigation Services Agency to mark a historic moment, the opening of air corridors between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Albania. This is an important event, which will undoubtedly shape the future of air travel in our region.
The inauguration of these air corridors is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a step of progress, efficiency and environmental responsibility. By shortening the trajectory of flights to and from Kosovo, travel time reduced to 8 – 12 minutes. The reduction in flight time translates into significant reductions in fuel consumption, thereby minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. This proactive step aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and the global fight against climate change. As we move forward, we continue to commit to innovative solutions that promote environmentally friendly practices in all aspects of our society and our development.
Beyond the environmental and infrastructural benefits, the shortened flight time also brings benefits to our emigrants. The opportunities for more affordable ticket prices as well as for new destinations to and from the International Airport of Pristina, “Adem Jashari”, are increasing.
I want to thank all our international partners who played a key role in facilitating the opening of these air corridors. This cooperation has brought us closer to the complete normalization of the lower airspace of the Republic of Kosovo.
This achievement is also a testament to the power of the common commitment to progress. In this regard, we have made substantial investments in the modernization of the infrastructure of our air navigation service provider.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo has invested about 34 million euros in the project to extend the runway, build the instrument landing system and radio communication systems at Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari”. With this investment, flights to Pristina land even under the conditions have lower visibility, at the same time Pristina Airport also serves as an alternative airport for regional airports, in cases where they are unable to operate in conditions of reduced visibility, which consequently affects the increase in the number of travelers to us.
As we mark this achievement, I reiterate our continued commitment to work side by side with AShNA, towards the complete normalization of Kosovo’s airspace.
We recognize the importance of this goal and understand the effort and cooperation needed to achieve it.
Together we can ensure a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly airspace.
We are proud of the progress achieved, the partnerships we have built and the positive impact this development will have on our citizens. And our collective dedication continues to build a better future for everyone in the Republic of Kosovo.
Thank you everyone for your contribution and congratulations on this achievement for our country and for our population and for our cooperation.
Thank you!
Last modified: January 25, 2024