Around 55 pilots from Albania and various European countries are taking part in the 14th edition of the “Korça Open Air” championship, held in Lumalas.
For four days, the airfield has been transformed into an arena for precision landing competitions, where pilots challenge one another to achieve the most accurate landings.
“This is an anniversary edition, with a high number of participants and an impressive level of competition from different countries. For the first time this year, we also have competitors from Russia. The competition between pilots from Korça and other countries is very intense. We are also wrapping up the National Championship, which is an even tougher competition. There are around 55 pilots, which is a very good number of competitors. The participants are ranked among the top 50 pilots in Europe and the world,” said Alket Islami.
Among the participants is Ana Alamova from the Czech Republic, who is visiting Albania for the first time. She praised the organization of the championship, while noting that weather conditions, particularly the wind, have made the competition more challenging.
“This is my first time in Albania, and I really like this competition, especially how it is organized. I am also very pleased with the landings I have made here. I am very excited to have achieved this result, as the weather conditions, particularly the wind, made the competition difficult. The most challenging day for me was yesterday, especially the second flight,” said Ana Alamova.
The Shala family from Kosovo also stands out at the championship, having turned their passion for flying into a family tradition. Fifteen-year-old Arbër has been practicing the sport for three years and now finds himself competing against his father.
“I am 15 years old, and I have been flying for three years. My family is a family of paragliders. My uncle, my father, and my uncle’s daughter and son all practice this sport. Now I am competing against my father, so we will see what happens by the end of the competition. I would like my dad to win,” said Arbër Shala.
Also continuing this family tradition is eight-year-old Unik. He explains that he initially flew alongside his father but now takes to the skies on his own.
“I am eight years old. I started flying when I was four. At first, I flew with my father, but now I take off on my own,” said Unik Shala.
In addition to the precision landing competition, “Korça Open Air” features paramotor flights, aeromodelling activities for children, and a festive programme for the public.
The championship has become a tradition for the city, promoting air sports and positioning Korça as a destination for adventure tourism.
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