“Today, we are laying the foundation for a brand new and critically important chapter in the development of Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport,” announced the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, Mariam Kvrivishvili, at an event celebrating the launch of the airport’s expansion project.

As the Minister noted during her address, Tbilisi International Airport represents far more than mere transport infrastructure.

“It is one of the principal pillars driving Georgia’s economic growth, tourism expansion, investment attraction, trade, and global connectivity. Consequently, its advancement is a task of strategic national importance.

Our long-standing collaboration with Groupe ADP, one of the world’s top aviation conglomerates and the parent group of TAV Airports, is entering a dynamic new phase today.

The expansion of the transport and logistics sector is a vital priority for the state, with the aviation industry playing a key role in bolstering economic growth, international connectivity, and transit capabilities. Aviation directly drives tourism, attracts foreign investment, expands trade, strengthens businesses, and creates new jobs. This is precisely why the state has channelled significant efforts into broadening Georgia’s aviation market in recent years,” the Minister noted.

According to Kvrivishvili, 43 new airlines have launched operations in the Georgian aviation market over the past five years.

“This year, for the first time in history, direct air links have connected the capitals of the Kingdom of Denmark and Georgia, with Norwegian Air entering the market. Furthermore, in just two days, China Eastern, the third largest Chinese airline, will commence operations in Georgia, running direct flights between Tbilisi and Shanghai three times a week.

Today, the Georgian aviation sector has reached an all-time high, with 85 airlines operating flights to 125 destinations. This improves accessibility, sharpens competition, and supports the sustainable, diversified growth of our country’s tourism sector.

Given the geopolitical climate in the region, 2026 presents numerous challenges, not least for the aviation and tourism industries. However, it is precisely in this environment that Georgia’s ability to maintain high growth rates and retain the trust of international partners becomes exceptionally meaningful. Recent data bears this out,” Mariam Kvrivishvili stated.

The Minister pointed out that in June alone, Georgia’s airports collectively served nearly 788,000 passengers, marking a 4 per cent increase compared to the corresponding period last year. Furthermore, passenger traffic at Batumi International Airport grew by 3 per cent last month.

“In 2025, Georgian airports served a record-breaking total of 8.5 million passengers, representing a 14 per cent increase year-on-year. The number of flights also hit a historic milestone, with nearly 38,000 flights operated, a 16 per cent increase over 2024. The air freight sector is also particularly noteworthy, having registered a phenomenal 49 per cent surge,” Mariam Kvrivishvili concluded during her speech at Tbilisi International Airport.