Review: Scanderbeg VIP Lounge Tirana

Tirana International Airport’s Scanderbeg VIP Lounge, also simply known as Tirana Business Lounge is the primary lounge at Albania’s busiest airport. It is a modern relatively new lounge, offering travellers a comfortable space to unwind before their flight.

While it may lack some bells & whistles compared to major international lounges, it provides a relaxing environment with a gentle nod to Albanian nature & hospitality.

Location & Entry

Tirana airport is quite small can during peak hours can get busy in the main terminal

This lounge is located airside, after security in the departures area – it is on the second level

There is a small reception straight after landing on the upper level..

Entry is available to business class passengers on eligible airlines, Priority Pass members, and those who wish to pay for access at the door.

According to the airport website, the lounge is open from 1 hour prior to first departure of the day until last departure. When I asked the reception, I was told they close at 10pm.

Scanderbeg VIP Lounge Tirana Space & Ambience

As you walk in through the L shaped space, there are a couple of more bright seating areas..

The lounge has a modern yet cosy design, featuring more softer lighting as you go in, plush seating

The lounge subtly incorporates elements of Albania’s culture. If you want to sit somewhere a little more private, you will find several space further in the back where you are shielded away a litle..

I like the little touches like these orange flowers being laid out in all tables. There is a distinct treehouse feel to the whole space – hardly surprising when you have these tree trunk featured as part of the deco..

A major downside for some may be that it lacks natural lighting – as it is entirely enclosed in the middle of the terminal.

The lounge is actually much bigger than it initially looks as you’re led into several different areas making it easier to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and a good place to relax away from the main terminal.

Albanian influences are subtly present in the decor, with warm wooden tones that reflect the country’s traditional aesthetic.

In my 2 hours there there were at most a dozen passengers at any one point. There are several staff who are around cleaning up and generally keeping the place immaculate.

Work / Business Centre

If you want to do some work here, the lounge has good WiFi throughout and there is is a small dedicated area with a all the essential connectivity..

There are no showers in the lounge and even the restroom was rather small though very well kept !

Tirana Lounge Food & Beverage

The lounge provides a buffet food and drinks, all available self service.

The food selection, while not extensive, features a mix of international and Albanian classics.

There were some freshly made focaccia, pizza and locally inspired Tacino..

Then more substantial dishes like Albanian Pilaf ..

And Albanian bean stew..

As well as a good selection of grilled vegetables

You will also find a selection of salad items with various condiments and dips and pickles etc..

On the drinks side, the lounge provides a variety of soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.

There were some unusual soda choices here that you would not find in alot of countries !

If you fancied something harder to drink, there are a selection of spirits available to help yourself..

Albanian wines and raki (a strong traditional spirit) are also available, allowing visitors to experience a final taste of Albania before departure.

Final Thoughts

Tirana Business Lounge offers a comfortable, quiet space with a touch of Albanian culture. The staff’s hospitality and the selection of local treats make it a pleasant pre-flight experience for those flying out of Tirana.

I quite liked the food selection and enjoyed a nice dinner here, with my flight to London being one of the last flights out of the airport.

If you have access via business class or a lounge membership, it’s certainly worth a visit.