FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Chair Airlines was expected to become the first airline to operate at Vlora Airport, with two flights per week on the Zurich-Vlora route, starting on June 26, 2026. But the service to Vlora has been canceled for the 2026 summer season...
The clash between the partners of Vlora International Airport is becoming the main obstacle to the opening of one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country.
The conflict between the Swiss company "Mabco Constructions", linked to businessman Behgjet Pacolli, and the Albanian company "2A Group", has led to a blockage of works, delays in certification and now even the cancellation of the plans of the Swiss company Chair Airlines to launch flights to Vlora.
Chair Airlines was scheduled to become the first airline to operate at Vlora Airport, with two flights per week on the Zurich-Vlora route, starting on June 26, 2026. But according to the company's schedule updates, the service to Vlora has been canceled for the summer 2026 season due to the delay in the airport's opening, while flights will be shifted to Ohrid.
At the heart of the impasse is the clash over control of the company that administers the project. “Mabco” claims to own 98% of the concession company and is the main investor in the project, while accusing “2A Group”, which holds the remaining shares, of trying to take control of the project. On the other hand, the conflict between the parties has ended up in court and has caused the construction work to be blocked.
The Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Mabco, dismissing 2A Group’s claim and overturning previous decisions that had limited the decision-making rights of Pacolli’s company. The conflict reportedly culminated in mid-May, when Mabco employees and subcontractors were not allowed to enter the construction site.
The situation has also put the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy in motion. After the public warning of Minister Enea Karakaçi, the institution has officially asked the two companies to resolve the impasse within 30 days, so that work on the completion of the airport can continue. Otherwise, the ministry warns of the possibility of terminating the contract.
In the official letter, the ministry refers to the project contract, which states that “the concessionaire is fully responsible for actions, delays and negligence” related to the development of the project. The institution also relies on point 15.4 of the contract, which provides for the Contracting Authority’s right to terminate it in case of non-compliance with deadlines and obligations.
The clash between partners is not the only problem. Mabco has also raised safety concerns, claiming that equipment crucial to the airport's certification has been blocked at customs for more than seven months. The company is demanding an independent international inspection of the runway and safety systems before operations resume.
Meanwhile, the project continues to face environmental criticism due to its construction near the Narta Lagoon, a protected area and important habitat for migratory birds. Environmental organizations and European institutions have previously raised concerns about the impact on the ecosystem and the risks that the presence of birds could pose to air safety.
In this way, Vlora Airport, presented as the new air gateway for southern Albania, is being held hostage by a shareholder clash, with direct consequences for the opening deadlines, airlines and the credibility of the project. / Pamphlet
Aeroporti thone qe ka probleme me cedimet! Media te kontrolloje!
Po ç’far Chair Airlines flisni me????? Nje kompani e charteruar nga 1 individe ose nje Agjensi Turistike. Po ca problemi edhe nese terhiqet chairi? Chairi u perdor per hi syve nga ish manaxheret e VIA- s per publikun dhe mediat qe nuk bejne analiza ..