Akërni is one of the villages that has long suffered the consequences of mass emigration, particularly among young people and skilled workers from Vlorë. For the residents of the area, the Vlorë Airport project represents their only hope for their children to return and settle in their homeland. Locals hope that once the airport becomes operational, it will address long-standing issues such as investment in the drinking water supply network, internal village infrastructure, and the electricity distribution system.
“I see the project as a very good thing, but we still have some shortcomings. The electricity goes on and off. I think things will improve with the airport—some people are already working there. It’s a great change because we weren’t like this before. I believe people will return, but it depends on their mindset. All my children are abroad. Here, it’s mostly elderly people now, there are no young ones left. I have eight children, only one of them lives in Vlorë. My husband and I are here alone—it’s up to them to decide,” said a local resident.
“For young people, this is an opportunity—it’s not just for pleasure. First, we used to have terrible roads, but now we have better access; we can even walk there easily. Second, the future looks brighter, and many young men have already found jobs. If the airport opens, there will be work for the youth—what could be better than working in your own country? Young people should come back to their homeland—nothing is better than your own land. All my children are abroad, but we are hopeful. I have one son, and if things improve here, he has a profession and will have work and opportunities,” expressed another resident.
It seems that the construction of the airport has already encouraged young people to invest in the village. One former emigrant shared his experience of returning to Akërni.
“I am a resident of Akërni, and I have high hopes that this airport will bring a better future for our youth. I emigrated at the age of 14, and now I am 33. I have returned to Akërni, and I want to live here. Whatever life I have left, I want to spend it with my family. There aren’t many other residents because most have left. I am one of the first to return because I see potential, I expect development, and I hope that my child will have opportunities because of this airport. I had already considered coming back because even Europe isn’t as easy as it used to be. Here, I have my home, I don’t have to pay rent. People are finding jobs, and I just hope for the best,” he said.
Due to the Akërni Airport project, demand for land purchases in the village has increased significantly. Investors have shown interest in buying properties to develop business units. Additionally, land and housing prices have multiplied compared to previous years. A large number of local residents are also employed in the airport project.
