Air Albania, the national airline of Albania, abruptly ceased all flight operations on December 7, 2025. The reason for the shutdown is the decision by its main shareholder, Turkish Airlines, to sell its 49 percent stake in the airline. This sudden development has left passengers stranded and raises questions about the airline's future, although the company has not yet filed for bankruptcy.
The withdrawal of Turkish Airlines marks a turning point for Air Albania, which was founded in 2018 with the support of its major Turkish shareholder and the Albanian government to replace the previously insolvent state-owned Albanian Airlines. Despite the operational cessation, the current situation is being portrayed as a consequence of a restructuring of ownership rather than a formal insolvency process. The Albanian government, through the state-owned company Albcontrol and MDN Investment, holds a significant stake in the airline, which owns the remaining 51 percent of the shares.
The cessation of flight operations is the latest in a series of upheavals in the European aviation sector, as the global aviation industry continues to grapple with economic challenges. Air Albania most recently operated a route network primarily serving European destinations, particularly in Italy, and a connection to Istanbul. The short-term suspension of flights now necessitates a swift clarification of the ownership structure and a decision on whether to resume operations or liquidate the company.