Air Albania, Albania’s national carrier established in 2018 with initial capital of up to $30 million, has come into the regional aviation spotlight after Turkish Airlines confirmed the sale of its 49 percent stake. The news was released through an official statement and in a notification submitted to Turkey’s Public Disclosure Platform (KAP), with the airline noting that further developments will be shared with investors in due course. The information was originally reported by Arabian Gulf Business Insight.
Air Albania currently operates as a joint venture between the Turkish flag carrier, private investment firm MDN Investment SHPK, which holds a 41 percent stake, and the Albanian state-owned air navigation services provider Albcontrol, which owns the remaining 10 percent. At the time of the airline’s establishment seven years ago, it was announced that the carrier would develop both passenger and cargo operations, building on the operational expertise and strategic backing of Turkish Airlines.
Although the reasons for the sale have not been elaborated in detail, the decision comes at a time when Turkish Airlines is adjusting its broader investment portfolio in other airlines. In August this year, the carrier acquired a minority stake in Air Europa for €300 million, but shortly afterward chairman Ahmet Bolat dismissed any possibility of increasing that holding to a majority stake.
Financial indicators show a period of strong demand but also certain pressures for Turkish Airlines. Revenue in the third quarter of 2025 increased by five percent year-on-year to nearly $7 billion. At the same time, net profit fell by 11 percent, to $1.4 billion. Despite this, the airline still expects passenger numbers to grow between seven and eight percent, surpassing 91 million travelers this year.
On the stock market, Turkish Airlines shares have recorded a slight decline — trading at TL277.50 on Wednesday, representing a drop of nearly seven percent since the start of the year. The decision to withdraw from Air Albania’s ownership structure therefore takes on additional significance, aligning with the broader picture of investment optimization and strategic recalibration within Turkey’s national airline.
