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| Liburn Aliu and his colleagues in the control tower of Pristina airport |
In a significant development for the people of Kosovo, Minister of Infrastructure Liburn Aliu recently announced the opening of air corridors between Kosovo and Albania. This move is expected to streamline air travel, reduce flight times, and coincide with the upcoming visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens traveling to Western countries, effective January 1, 2024.
Visa Liberalization and Reduced Flight Times:
Minister Aliu, in a Facebook post in the early hours of Thursday, highlighted the positive impact of the air corridor opening. He stated that flights to Western destinations would now be shortened by approximately 15 minutes, offering Kosovar citizens not only visa-free travel but also time savings on their journeys.
This announcement is closely tied to the impending visa liberalization for Kosovo citizens, a historic step set to come into effect at the beginning of the new year. Kosovo has been the only country in the Western Balkans whose citizens have been unable to move freely without visas in the Schengen area until now.
Potential Cost Savings for Travelers:
Albion Idrizi, an aviation expert, had previously stated that the opening of air corridors between Kosovo and Albania could result in reduced flight times and, subsequently, lower ticket prices. Currently, the standard price for a one-way ticket from Kosovo to any EU country stands at 140 euros. With shortened flight times, Idrizi estimates a potential reduction of up to 6%, or 8 euros, providing a financial benefit for travelers. He operates in the travel and tourism sector in both Croatia and Kosovo.
Historical Context:
Since the post-war period in 1999, flights to and from Pristina International Airport have been restricted to the air corridor connecting Kosovo with North Macedonia. The agreement with Albania to utilize its air corridor was reached in 2020, envisioning the opening of two coordinating air points, Kukad and Arbër.
Challenges in Implementation:
While the Kosovo Civil Aviation Authority manages the lower airspace of the country, technical procedures required approval from both Albania and the NATO mission in Kosovo (KFOR). The upper airspace, above 6,200 meters and open for commercial traffic since 2014, is currently under the control of Hungary due to Kosovo's limited capacity to manage high-altitude airspace.
International Oversight and Command:
In accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 and current laws in Kosovo, the commander of KFOR has been responsible for the security of Kosovo's airspace since 1999. This arrangement is expected to continue until Kosovo develops the capacity to manage its high-altitude airspace.
Conclusion:
The official opening of air corridors between Kosovo and Albania marks a pivotal moment for the region, promising enhanced connectivity, time savings, and cost benefits for travelers. As Kosovo continues its journey toward increased international integration, these developments signify positive strides in its aviation sector, setting the stage for a new era in cross-border travel and cooperation.