Swiss-Albanian businessman Behgjet Pacolli has warned that his company Mabco Constructions could pursue international arbitration against Albania after the government launched procedures to terminate the concession contract for Vlora International Airport, accusing state institutions of undermining investor rights.

Pacolli, whose Mabco is part of the consortium developing the airport, said in Facebook posts on August 5 and 6 that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy had initiated procedures to resolve the concession agreement, describing the move as an attempt to remove the investor's rights under what he called Albania's largest public-private partnership project.

"Basically, this action aims to strip the investor of the rights arising from the largest public-private partnership contract ever implemented in Albania," Pacolli said.

He said Mabco had sought dialogue with authorities for more than a year to avoid an international dispute, but alleged that the company had faced obstacles including attempts to transfer investor shares, legal measures that contradicted each other, exclusion from project administration and the blocking of access to the construction site.

Pacolli said Mabco had invested more than €320mn in the project, excluding lost profits and legal costs, and that by May it had completed almost all contractual obligations and was close to obtaining airport certification before being prevented from continuing work.

"No investor can be held responsible for the consequences created by the obstacles that did not depend on him," Pacolli said, adding that Mabco would use "all legal means provided for contracts and international law" to protect its rights.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy did not immediately comment on Pacolli's statements.

Albania is seeking to expand transport infrastructure and attract more visitors as part of a broader push to develop tourism, one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. The government has invested heavily in airports, roads and coastal infrastructure, aiming to increase connectivity and position Albania as a year-round tourism destination.

Vlora International Airport, located near the southern coastal city of Vlora, was intended to become Albania's third international airport after Tirana International Airport and Kukes International Airport. The project has been viewed by the government as a major investment supporting tourism growth in the country's southern regions.

Albania has recorded strong growth in tourism arrivals in recent years, with authorities promoting the country's Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, mountain destinations and cultural heritage sites. The government has also prioritised infrastructure upgrades, including road construction, port improvements and energy investments, to support rising visitor numbers and private investment.

However, the airport dispute risks raising concerns over Albania's investment climate. Pacolli said the case represented a broader test of the country's guarantees for investors.

"This case does not only affect Mabco, it constitutes an important test of the investment climate in Albania and of the reliability of guarantees that the Albanian state gives to foreign investors," he said.

Mabco has said it is prepared to take the dispute to arbitration if the termination process proceeds.