table with project partners

25 July 2025
On Cloud Nine+ final conference in Tirana to strengthen Air Passenger Rights
Overview

The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) hosted the Final Conference of the “On Cloud Nine+” project at the Xheko Imperial Hotel in Tirana, bringing together key stakeholders from the air transport sector of the Programme area to discuss the harmonization of EU rules on transport and air passenger rights.

With the participation of representatives from Albania, Italy, and Montenegro, the conference focused on enhancing cooperation and sharing best practices to strengthen air passenger protections and ensure inclusive and accessible air travel across borders. The event was organized in collaboration with Aeroporti di Puglia, Airport of Podgorica, and Tirana International Airport.

Highlights of the conference included:

  • Insightful presentations on the evolution of European passenger rights frameworks and stakeholder responsibilities;
  • A dedicated session on the rights of persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, featuring inclusive practices from Aeroporti di Puglia;
  • A legal overview of landmark rulings by the Court of Justice of the European Union on air passenger rights;
  • Case studies from the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority and Tirana International Airport on improving accessibility, consumer protection, and passenger satisfaction.

The conference concluded with an open discussion and a set of initial recommendations aimed at strengthening regional coordination and enhancing service quality for air passengers. Representatives from the ACAA, project partners, and civil society reaffirmed their commitment to promoting EU-aligned standards and fostering a more inclusive air travel experience in the South Adriatic area.

This final event marks the culmination of “On Cloud Nine+,” an initiative co-financed under the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme, dedicated to sustainable cross-border connectivity and improved passenger mobility.