Tirana - Rinas Intl (Mother Theresa)

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ICAO Code LATI/TIA
Last Validated 03-2017
City Tirana
Position 41°24'53"N 019°43'14"E
Runway(s) 18/36
Elevation 126 ft

General

Rinas, alternatively named Mother Theresa, is the international gateway to the once isolated country of Albania. This has all changed now and aviation enthusiasts have been welcomed by local authorities. Rinas also houses a military unit, which can hardly be considered active. The airfield is fairly open. Future construction work may affect the situation as described in this guide.

Layout

Rinas features a single north-south runway, situated in a broad valley. All facilities are located to the west of the runway. The terminal can be found in the north west corner, the military occupies the south western part of the airfield. The three distinctive shelter areas to the west are no longer active.

Getting There

You will most probably arrive by plane in Rinas. If not, coming from Tirana, take highway SH1 to the north, which exits highway SH2 near Vore, north of Tirana. From highway SH2 you can already follow signs to the airport.

Around the Airport

1Terminal area

We start our clockwise tour around the airfield with the terminal. The terminal is not easily accesible, but before the terminal, views on the main apron are possible, although with backlight only. Aircraft taxiing to the terminal from threshold 18 can be graphed in the afternoon.

2Approach 18

Following the airfield's perimeter, the road leads under the 18 approach. Spot 2 provides good views of aircraft on approach, just position yourself depending on the time of the day for the best light conditions.

3Runway 18/36 & main military apron

The main military apron is located across the runway from spot 3. Just continue to follow the perimeter wall until the road ends. It is recommended to bring a stepladder to this spot in order to obtain views. Photography on the runway is great in the morning. The hangars are open on the side of the runway, so you might be able to read off some of the aircraft stored inside. Do not expect too much military flying activity.

4East side approach 36

The 36 approach can be reached as well, just follow the road from spot 3, turn right at the intersection. This road leads straight to the fence and bends to the left, just before the perimeter. From now on keep right, or simply follow the road as depicted on the map. Morning views of approach 36 are great from here. If you do not have a stepladder, follow the road to the south until the wall is no longer obstructing your view.

5West side approach 36

Follow the road under the 36 approach when arriving from spot 4 for views of the approach in the afternoon. The nearby shelter area is not visible from here thanks to some well-thought landscaping...

Frequencies

122.500/123.500Tower
124.025/133.150Approach
124.025/127.500ACC

Preserved

3-??F-6, at gate as "40/20"
3-15MiG-19S, at gate as "20/40"
3 608H-5, on base

Order of Battle Albania

Albanian Air Force
Albania Government

Other Airfields

Kucova  
Tirana - Heliport (Farka)  
Tirana - Lapraka
Tirana - Rinas Intl (Mother Theresa)  

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