Tbilisi International Airport’s capacity to double within two years

“Within the next two years, Tbilisi International Airport’s capacity will double, whilst terminal infrastructure will increase by 50 per cent,” Deputy Minister for Economy and Sustainable Development Tamar Ioseliani stated on the GPB First Channel’s programme ‘Business Partner’.

According to the Deputy Minister, TAV Georgia has committed to investing USD 150 million in Tbilisi’s existing airport.

“Today, Tbilisi International Airport is operating at maximum capacity. Passenger traffic has exceeded 5 million passengers, and the airport needs expansion. The state has a long-term vision for developing the country’s aviation sector, according to which Vaziani International Airport will become operational by the end of 2031.

Accordingly, we decided to enter into negotiations with TAV Georgia; as a result, over the next two years, Tbilisi International Airport’s capacity will double, it will increase to 10 million passengers, whilst terminal infrastructure will also increase by 50 per cent, and both parking zones and aircraft stands will be expanded. This is a highly successful example of a public-private partnership. Moreover, TAV Georgia has already made substantial investments in our country, approximately $260 million,” Tamar Ioseliani stated.

The Deputy Minister also emphasised that, under the renewed contract, the annual revenue for United Airports of Georgia will triple, with an additional USD 25 million forthcoming upon the activation of the new agreement.

Tamar Ioseliani also emphasised that, under the terms of the new contract, TAV Georgia will take part in airline marketing incentive programmes, resulting in a greater presence of airlines within Georgia’s aviation market.

According to the Deputy Minister, Vaziani Airport is expected to become operational by the end of 2031, with a capacity four times greater than that of Tbilisi’s current airport, enabling it to serve up to 20 million passengers.

“For all airports, whether Tbilisi, Kutaisi or Batumi, we have specific plans for how to develop them and what targets we need to reach in terms of capacity. Today, Georgia is connected by 125 direct flights, with 77 airlines operating within the aviation market. We have seen a 14 per cent increase in passenger traffic and a 16 per cent rise in flight destinations. This year, we also served a record-breaking 8.5 million passengers across all three airports. The trend is steadily upward. We are closely monitoring these developments and adapting the development of Georgia’s airports accordingly, the Deputy Minister remarked.

According to Tamar Ioseliani, 2025 was a notable year not only for Tbilisi but also for Kutaisi and Batumi airports, with passenger traffic increasing by 6% and 30%, respectively.

As the Deputy Minister noted, studies concerning Vaziani International Airport are ongoing, being carried out in accordance with a predetermined action plan.

“These projects are aimed at enhancing Georgia’s role in transport and transit. For instance, cargo traffic at Tbilisi Airport has increased by 50 per cent; Kutaisi Airport’s strategic location is also particularly advantageous, as it is very close to the motorway and seaports, which means its role in cargo turnover is expanding significantly. The government is investing 240 million lari in the airport, and we are constructing a new runway to accommodate all types of aircraft at Kutaisi. Additionally, we are working on building a new passenger terminal,” Ioseliani stated.