TRIP REPORT
I recently travelled with Air Serbia on flight JU163 from Tirana Mother Teresa International Airport to Belgrade.
Getting to Tirana Airport from the city centre is relatively simple. A dedicated 24-hour airport bus operates from Tirana Central Station, departing every hour on the hour. The journey takes approximately forty minutes, depending on traffic, and costs 400 leks (a bit over 4 euros), making it both affordable and convenient.
The airport was busy and crowded. Passengers with Priority Pass have access to the lounge, which offers a comfortable place to wait before departure. It was empty in contrast to the rest of the airport so it was a good decision to spend some time there.
Boarding was orderly and the aircraft assigned to the flight was an ATR72-600, registration YU-ALZ, a 12.8-year-old turboprop that appeared to be in good condition. Despite being a relatively short sector, the flight was surprisingly full. It was noticeable that many travellers were connecting onwards via Belgrade.
The flight departed three minutes behind schedule but made up time en route. The total flight time came to 1 hour and 6 minutes, with the aircraft touching down in Belgrade six minutes ahead of schedule. Shortly after takeoff, the two-member cabin crew distributed complimentary bottles of water and cookies. Later in the flight, buy-on-board products were offered, although there appeared to be little interest among passengers on this sector.
A bit after departure the pilot gave a comprehensive welcome with information about the flight and the places we would fly over.
Upon arrival in Belgrade, the aircraft parked at a remote stand across from the terminal and passengers were transferred to the terminal by bus. Despite this, the arrival experience was efficient. Passport control was processed quickly and baggage delivery was quick too.
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Nice report, thank you
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that TIA terminal looks good.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion its the best looking terminal in the region. Whilst it can get busy at peak times its usually a very nice place to transit through. I did the exact same flight a few weeks ago. A lot of croatia-bound passengers on board.
DeleteThey're working on the new terminal so it will help a lot for the summer.
DeleteYes. I saw the extension. I really like the new front. Very stylish design and very light and bright terminal with a good selection of food places.
DeleteIt's pity two busiest airports in the region haven't got a bigger plane connect them yet.
ReplyDeleteAt times JU have used the A319 and embraer on the route
DeleteThe midday rotation is frequently scheduled to operate on the E190. Currently, the E190 is scheduled 2 pw from March 29 and from June 3 pw.
DeleteDespite having lots of people traveling between two cities, Airbus a320 would be a big plane. Considering there are two flights per day from Belgrade to Tirana and from Tirana to Belgrade. So turboprops are perfect for this route. Probably in the summer they could use some Airbus A319 or Airbus A320
DeleteReport, thank you, nice.
ReplyDeleteI flew twice to Tirana on Bulgarian E190 last year, once even in business class. Was a pleasant experience. Also, I agree on the Tirana lounge, both times it was rather empty and F&B choice was decent, defo better than Ljubljana and Zagreb and probably even Skopje if we compare regional airports. Ofc, Belgrade airport lounge (not the Air Serbia one) is a disgrace, I would rather shut it down than operate it as is.
ReplyDeleteGood report. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA few comments maybe worth taking into account. Traffic in Tirana for the afternoon flight is abysmal. Depart on time. The one at 4AM is great, taxi can bring you to the airport in 15 minutes or so.
ReplyDeleteWhile reconstruction is ongoing, perhaps visually things will improve and parking will be much better. Otherwise, nothing much will change. This airport impressively handles 10m+ pax with zero gates.
Serbian passport holders can use egates on arrivals, but interestingly, not at departures - same as the locals. The "country mix" for departing pax significantly differs from the one on arrival.
F&B in Tirana is GREAT. I cannot stress this enough. Capacity is limited, but the choice is there, everything is really fresh and prices are acceptable. I would trade places between BEG and TIA in this regard anytime. This also applies to the contract lounge which is a bit hidden, but great to spend some time at. Food is also very good.
Added benefit for those exiting at BEG is that Albania is not an OSS country, meaning the bus will drop you off at passport control (and not A3).
I agree in regards deaign. If only some airports in the exyu region were as pretty or had the range of places to eat!! I think you mean airbridges not gates, but i agree its a great airport to travel through. And yeah daytime traffic (even until late at night) can be very very bad.
DeleteCorrect, airbridges. Apologies. Impressive how an airport which has roughly 15% of BEG's footprint past security (and I'm being generous here) handles so much traffic with apparent ease.
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