Vlora Airport dispute: ICC arbitrator blocks Albanian government takeover

An emergency arbitrator from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in London has issued a preliminary order regarding the dispute over the Vlora International Airport concession contract. The order instructs the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy to refrain from any actions related to the termination of the concession that could worsen the dispute or jeopardize the arbitration process.

The ruling prevents the Albanian government from taking operational control of the airport, demanding the handover of assets, or replacing the current concessionaire, VIA, with another operator. This legal development comes after the Albanian government initiated procedures for the premature termination of the contract.

Behgjet Pacolli, representing the investor MABCO and owner of 98 percent of VIA shares, stated that the company sought international arbitration to protect its investment following the government’s unilateral decision to terminate the contract. Pacolli emphasized that MABCO had previously sought dialogue and a constructive agreement to complete the airport project rather than pursuing arbitration.