Georgian Economy Minister highlights record passenger traffic and major airport investments

Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said on Saturday that Georgia’s aviation sector continues to grow despite regional and global challenges, with more than 4.6 million passengers having travelled through the country’s three international airports so far this year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Ambassador Aviation Village in Kakheti, Kvrivishvili highlighted the strong performance of the aviation industry, noting that the sector has maintained its upward trajectory in 2026 and continues to operate at record levels.

“The aviation industry in our country is developing at a very rapid pace. This positive dynamic has continued this year, and Georgia’s aviation sector is operating with record indicators”, Kvrivishvili said.

The Minister noted that Georgia’s aviation sector achieved record results in 2025, when the country’s three international airports served 8.5 million passengers.

“In 2025, our country recorded historic passenger traffic, with 8.5 million passengers passing through Georgia’s three international airports. Alongside this, the number of flights reached a record high, while air cargo volumes increased by 54 percent compared to 2024. It is particularly encouraging that, despite the challenges facing both the region and the global aviation industry, more than 4.6 million passengers have already travelled through our international airports this year, while flight numbers have also continued to grow”, she said.

Kvrivishvili emphasised that the Government is responding to rising demand through major investments in aviation infrastructure across the country.

“We currently have several important infrastructure projects under way. A $150 million investment is being made in the expansion of Tbilisi International Airport, which will increase its capacity to up to 10 million passengers annually. Construction is also actively progressing at Kutaisi International Airport, where a completely new 3.5-kilometre runway is being built. At the same time, intensive work is under way on the development of the new Vaziani International Airport”, Kvrivishvili continued.

The Minister also highlighted additional projects aimed at strengthening domestic air connectivity and improving access to Georgia’s regions.

Kvrivishvili noted that tenders have already been announced for the construction of a new domestic airport in Kakheti and a new terminal at Mestia Airport. She said the projects would improve regional accessibility while supporting local economic growth and tourism development.