Kukës International Airport (Albanian: Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar i Kukësit, ICAO: LAKU), also referred to as Kukës Airport (Albanian: Aeroporti i Kukësit), is an airport about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of Kukës, Albania. The government of Albania granted permission for it to host international passenger traffic in 2016.

Kukës International Airport.

The airport is currently undergoing a reconstruction, including a new terminal, control tower, expansion of the apron and runway extension. It is designed to serve as a low-cost airport and expected to be fully operational by 2021.

Kukës International Airport.

Runway at Kukës Airport

History

Involvement by the United Arab Emirates in the Kukës area dates back to the Kosovo War (1999). The UAE contributed large amounts of money, humanitarian aid, built a highly efficient refugee camp for Kosovan Albanians and an airstrip for incoming relief supplies at Kukës in Northern Albania. The UAE funded construction of an airport which was completed in 2006 and expected to employ more than 200 people, helping the local economy by opening more touristic opportunities for the region.

Kukës International Airport.

Panoramic view of Kukës Airport runway with nearby villages

Ownership

Kukës Airport will undergo a full reconstruction before being put into operation. All new aerodrome additions and parameters will be constructed to meet the “low cost” standards. A bid was made by the merger of companies "Bami SHPK”, which pledge an investment worth 6.8m euros.

Kukës International Airport.

Kukës Airport Terminal

The concession is expected to last for 35 years and will include the extension of the runway, the construction of the fuel supply point of the aircraft, the modernisation of the lighting system and also the expansion of airport terminals. Along with the investment made so far by the United Arab Emirates, the value invested in this work will amount to 24 million euros.

Kukës International Airport.

Helicopter landing on Kukës Airport runway

The content above was published at Airports-Worldwide.com in 2020.
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