Kosovo and Albania launch new air corridors, cutting European flight times

The move is an important step toward progress, efficiency and responsibility for the environment that allows new destinations for citizens, says Kosovo’s prime minister

Kosovo and Albania inaugurated new air corridors Thursday, potentially reducing flight times to European destinations by up to 12 minutes, a move hailed as a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity and environmental responsibility.

The ceremonial opening, hosted by Kosovo’s Air Navigation Services Agency, marked the operational commencement of the corridors. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti emphasized the initiative’s multifaceted benefits, including progress, efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint. 

Kurti also projected that the corridors would lead to more competitive ticket pricing and the introduction of new flight destinations for travelers.

The establishment of these airways is a culmination of efforts within a NATO-led initiative aiming to streamline civil aviation operations in the Western Balkans.

According to NATO statements, the new routes are expected to substantially benefit civil aviation by curtailing flight durations, decreasing fuel consumption and consequently reducing pollution levels.

This development is a notable advancement since the cessation of the Kosovo war in 1999, where until now, flights primarily traversed the air corridor between Kosovo and North Macedonia. The security of Kosovo’s airspace has been under the stewardship of NATO’s Peacekeeping Force in Kosovo (KFOR) since 1999, following the guidelines of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and Kosovo’s prevailing legal framework.

The operationalization of these corridors is anticipated to trim flight times between Kosovo and various Western European nations by an estimated 8 to 12 minutes, signifying a substantial enhancement in regional air travel efficiency.

Source: Newsroom

#haber#