Georgian PM: Record passenger surge hits Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi hubs following landmark 8.5m traveller milestone

“The significance of the expansion and development project for Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport becomes even more profound, particularly against the backdrop of the rapid pace of development within Georgia’s aviation sector,” declared the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, during his address at the airport expansion launch ceremony.

As the Head of Government noted, recent years have witnessed a record surge in passenger volumes, the expansion of international routes, and the entry of numerous new airlines into the Georgian market.

“This year, a record increase in passenger traffic was registered across all three of Georgia’s international gateways, Tbilisi, Batumi, and Kutaisi international airports collectively served 8.5 million passengers last year. On the whole, 2025 was a record-breaking year in every respect, both in passenger growth and the broader development of the tourism sector. We generated record revenues in tourism, which naturally had a direct, positive knock-on effect on aviation. Despite a slight slowing of momentum earlier this year due to the broader economic crisis, June was also a record-breaking month in this regard. Consequently, we look toward the remainder of this year with immense optimism.

I extend my gratitude to all parties involved in the delivery of the Tbilisi International Airport expansion project. Our thanks go to our international partners, including our French and Turkish counterparts, TAV Airports, and French aviation giant Groupe ADP. We also thank the Georgian aviation authorities and all professionals working daily to drive Georgian aviation forward.

I also wish to thank the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, whose dedication and effective management have ensured that the Tbilisi International Airport expansion project is executed in a manner that strictly safeguards national interests. I wish everyone the very best of success in delivering this critically important initiative,” Irakli Kobakhidze stated.