Mariam Kvrivishvili, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, congratulated TAV Airports on its 20th anniversary of operations in Georgia.

During an event held at Tbilisi International Airport, the Minister expressed her gratitude to the company’s leadership, local management, and employees for their dedicated efforts in strengthening Georgia’s aviation sector.

“The aviation industry, civil aviation in particular, plays a vital and strategic role in the development of our country’s economy. Today, we are proud because, together, we are witnessing unprecedented growth in this sector. We have achieved this through joint efforts, a clear strategy, vision, action plan, and its collective implementation. Our cooperation exemplifies a successful partnership between the private and public sectors,” said the Minister.

Mariam Kvrivishvili highlighted that, for the first time in Georgia, over 70 international airlines operate across more than 120 direct routes. This milestone is the result of a diversification policy-driven strategy, which is already evident in passenger traffic figures and the number of direct flights, including to European destinations. According to the Minister, approximately 37 per cent of the destinations served from Georgia’s three international airports are within Europe in the first eight months of this year.

“European countries hold exceptional strategic importance for Georgia, both in terms of tourism and attracting direct flights. This is a tangible outcome of consistent policy. Last year, we were able to successfully introduce global brands such as British Airways and EasyJet to Georgia. This has added new, sustainable, and rapidly growing direct routes that attract tourists with purchasing power. These developments will, in turn, positively impact job creation at and around the airports, and significantly increase national revenue,” the Minister explained.

Kvrivishvili also noted that the diversification strategy is underpinned by targeted marketing campaigns and infrastructure projects. This comprehensive approach was reflected in Georgia’s record tourism revenue of USD 4.4 billion in 2024.

“The current year has been particularly successful; tourism revenue remains at an all-time high, and the growth in tourist numbers continues steadily. For 2025, passenger traffic has already surpassed a record 5.6 million. Our government continues to support major infrastructure projects that are vital for the development of the country’s transport sector,” she added.

The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, aviation sector professionals, as well as officials from TAV Airports and Groupe ADP.