Israel and Albania have signed a new aviation agreement aimed at expanding flight connections between the two countries, as Albania draws a growing number of Israeli visitors. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed the deal with Albanian Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi in Tirana on October 12, 2026.
Israeli tourism to Albania has risen from roughly 7,000 visitors in 2023 to more than 100,000 in 2026, according to i24NEWS. That growth is driving efforts to expand the flight capacity available between Israel and the Balkan country.
More Flight Capacity Between Israel and Albania
The aviation agreement follows talks between Israel’s Transportation Ministry and the Albanian government, coordinated with Transportation Minister Miri Regev. Its aim is to improve air connectivity and support travel in both directions. For travelers considering Albania, the development points toward a broader choice of flights as airlines respond to the growing demand.
A separate government-to-government cooperation agreement signed during the visit allows Albania to contract directly with Israeli companies. That agreement opens opportunities for Israeli businesses in Albanian public projects, alongside the push to expand tourism.
A Relationship With Deep Jewish Roots
Sa’ar also met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, whom he called a “steadfast friend of Israel.” The meeting covered relations between the two countries and developments in the Middle East and Western Balkans. Sa’ar praised Rama’s support for Israel’s security and his stand against antisemitism and terror.
Albania’s connection to the Jewish people reaches back to its protection of Jews during the Holocaust. Albanian families sheltered both local Jews and refugees, often at great personal risk. Almost all Jews within Albania’s borders during the German occupation survived, and the country ended the war with a larger Jewish population than it had before. That history remains part of the relationship between Albania and Israel today.
Kosher Food and Shabbat in Tirana
For kosher travelers, Tirana has a Jewish community resource to contact before booking a trip. Chabad Albania offers restaurant dining at the BESA Center under the supervision of Rabbi Yoel Kaplan. Restaurant reservations are required in advance.
Chabad also hosts Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch for visitors and the local community. Travelers should arrange meals and confirm the current location before arrival, particularly when choosing accommodation within walking distance for Shabbat.
For dining arrangements, visit Chabad Albania’s kosher services page or its Shabbat meals page. The community can be reached at +355 69 808 9888 or info@chabadalbania.com.
Originally reported by i24NEWS. Photo of Skanderbeg Square in Tirana by Pudelek via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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