The new route is expected to run from summer 2026
Three new Ryanair routes will launch from Liverpool next summer(Image: PA)
A stunning capital city has become easier to visit from Liverpool as Ryanair confirms new flights. The budget airline confirmed on Thursday, December 4 that it will offer flights to Albanian capital Tirana next summer, as well as flights to the Polish capital Warsaw and the historic Moroccan city of Marrakesh.
Tirana, which is the capital and largest city of Albania, is located in the centre of the country, surrounded by mountains and hills. The city has a flight time of just over three hours from England.
The historic city has a Mediterranean climate with temperatures reaching highs of 32°C in July and August. In its winter months, the city experiences a temperature average of around 13°C.
The city has many must-see attractions including Bunk’Art. The huge Cold War bunker on the outskirts of Tirana has been transformed into a contemporary art museum. Spread across 3000sqm of space underground and several floors, the bunker was built for the former leader of Albania, Enver Hoxha, and his inner circle in the 1970s. It is now home to fascinating artwork. The city is also home to the National History Museum, which is the largest in Albania, and the National Gallery of Arts.
A view of the city prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Skanderbeg Square, which reopened in 2017 after a major restoration, is the main plaza at the centre of the city. Many buildings including the the Palace of Culture, Tirana International Hotel, the National Library, the National Opera, the National Bank, the Clock Tower, the Ethem Bey Mosque, the City Hall, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Energy, and the National Historical Museum are situated at the square.
Many visitors may wish to find out about the city’s communist past. Visitors can see the three-storey villa which was once the home of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha and his wife. She remained at the property following his death in 1985.
Designed by Enver Hoxha’s daughter and son-in-law, the pyramid is a popular visit due to its unusual design. It used to be the Enver Hoxha Museum and was more recently transformed into a convention centre and nightclub. The 21-metre high structure has been completely renovated in recent years and transformed into a cultural hub. It also has a cafés and exterior steps allowing people to walk to the top.
A view of the Tirana Pyramid that draws attention as an attraction for both local and foreign tourists in Tirana (Image: Olsi Shehu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mount Dajti National Park is around a 30 minute drive away from the city. The park offers breathtaking views which are accessed by a 15-minute cable car. There’s also family-friendly activities on offer such as mini golf, an adventure park and viewing platform.
The city is also home to award-winning restaurants that offer an authentic taste of Albanian cuisine. It also has a number of quirky bars, beer tasting tours and cooking classes if you fancy finding out more about local life. Venues also offer traditional Albanian music and dance shows.
Flights are expected to start from Liverpool to Tirana in summer 2026. Ryanair’s CCO, Jason McGuinness told the ECHO: “We are delighted to be in Liverpool today to celebrate more Ryanair investment and record growth for the Northwest, with the announcement of a sixth Ryanair aircraft at Liverpool for Summer 2026 as well as 3 new routes to Marrakesh, Tirana, and Warsaw. Ryanair will also add extra flights on existing popular sun and city break routes, like Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Ibiza & Kraków, driving 2026 traffic above 2.4m passengers p.a..
A view of the Tirana Pyramid that draws attention as an attraction for both local and foreign tourists in Tirana (Photo by Olsi Shehu/Anadolu via Getty Images)(Image: Photo by Olsi Shehu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Ryanair’s supercharged investment and growth at Liverpool will deliver more than 2m low-fare seats to 34 European destinations, offering customers in the Northwest more choice at the lowest fares in Europe, while simultaneously driving inbound tourism.
“While Ryanair is growing at Liverpool next Summer, other regional airports across the UK are being hamstrung by Rachel Reeves idiotic decision to increase APD.
“If the UK Govt is serious about delivering growth, they should abolish this penal and damaging APD tax, which makes the UK (particularly regional airports) uncompetitive compared to EU countries like Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, and regional Italy, which are abolishing aviation taxes and lowering access costs to stimulate traffic, tourism, and jobs growth.
“To celebrate Ryanair’s new aircraft and 3 new routes at Liverpool this Summer, we’ve launched a limited time seat sale with fares from £29.99 available only at Ryanair.com.”
More about Ryanair’s new destinations can be found on its website.