Georgia’s Airports Set New Ten-Year Records

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From January to September 2026, Georgia’s international airports handled 33,600 tonnes of cargo, up 30% from the same period in 2025. Passenger traffic increased by 2% to 6.6 million. Both figures were the highest recorded for the corresponding nine-month periods in the past decade, according to the Civil Aviation Agency.

Growth in Air Cargo Transport in Georgia

Trends at Georgian Airports

Air cargo transport in Georgia has recorded strong growth for a second consecutive year. Around 26,000 tonnes passed through the airports in January–September 2025, while annual cargo turnover rose to 38,578 tonnes (+50% compared with 2024). The figure reached 10,177 tonnes (+32%) in the first quarter of 2026.

In the second quarter, the number of cargo flights in Georgia rose to 1,100 (+21.1%). According to Geostat, the airports handled 11,300 tonnes of freight and mail in April–June (+25%). Inbound shipments accounted for 90.8% of the total. Over January–September, cargo volume reached 33,600 tonnes (+30%).

New international routes are also emerging. In June, Qatar Airways launched cargo flights between Doha, Yerevan and Tbilisi using Boeing 777 aircraft. The route connects Georgia with a major aviation hub in Qatar and offers additional opportunities for international freight deliveries.

Other Logistics Sectors in Georgia

Growth has also been reported in other parts of Georgia’s logistics sector. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the country’s seaports and terminals handled 15.4 million tonnes of cargo in January–September 2026 (+24%). Rail freight reached 11 million tonnes (+13%), while road transport accounted for 11.8 million tonnes (+3%).

The Port of Poti handled 525,211 TEU of containers in the first nine months (+9%). The number of container ships received increased from 268 to 336, while general cargo volumes rose by 61.7% to 324,656 tonnes.

Passenger Traffic at Georgia’s Airports

Passenger aviation remains an important part of Georgia’s international transport links. Tbilisi Airport accounts for the largest share, serving 1,099,204 passengers in the first quarter of 2026 (+8%). Batumi recorded 115,785 passengers (−25.6%). Kutaisi Airport received 386,238 travellers in January–March (+7%) and more than 1.22 million in January–August, with approximately 3,400 flights operated.

In January–September 2026, combined passenger traffic at the country’s international airports reached 6.6 million (+2%). By comparison, the figure was almost 6.49 million for the same period in 2025 (+14%) and around 8.49 million for the whole of the previous year.

According to preliminary estimates by Galt & Taggart, Georgia’s international tourism revenue reached $3.2 billion in January–August 2026 (+1.6%). August brought in $695 million (+8.8%). TBC Capital estimates that foreigners’ cashless spending through the bank’s infrastructure increased by 26% that month, while hotel payments in Adjara grew by 54%.

Development of Georgia’s Airports

The authorities intend to double the annual capacity of Tbilisi’s Shota Rustaveli Airport from 5 million to 10 million passengers. Plans include terminal reconstruction, apron expansion and additional aircraft parking stands.

A new runway is under construction in Kutaisi, and the passenger terminal is also due to be expanded. Deputy Economy Minister Tamar Ioseliani said runway work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Levan Moseshvili, head of United Airports of Georgia, estimates that Kutaisi’s future capacity will reach 5 million passengers a year, twice its current level.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said construction of a new international airport in Vaziani is provisionally scheduled to begin in December 2027. The government is considering several financing options: public funding, private investment or a mixed model. No construction expenditure is included in the initial draft 2027 budget.

Prospects for Investors

International Investment analysts note that the record aviation figures demonstrate the successful development of Georgia’s transport sector and the strengthening of its economic position in the region. Higher freight volumes, new routes and airport modernisation reinforce the country’s role in trade between Europe and Asia. These achievements also highlight its growing importance to international business.

Investors are also attracted by favourable conditions for entry, residence and entrepreneurship. Citizens of many countries can stay in Georgia without a visa for up to one year. Foreign nationals can purchase residential and commercial real estate with few restrictions, apart from special rules governing agricultural land. The public registry makes it possible to verify ownership information, and relatively straightforward property registration simplifies transactions.

Significant opportunities are emerging in hospitality, trade, commercial property and services. Tbilisi, Batumi and other tourism centres are especially appealing because visitor demand supports business activity. Openness to foreign capital, infrastructure projects and the country’s popularity among travellers contribute to new business formation, employment growth and private investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many passengers did Georgia’s airports handle in 2026?

In January–September 2026, Georgia’s international airports served 6.6 million passengers, 2% more than in the same period of 2025. This was the highest nine-month total in the past decade.

How has air cargo traffic at Georgia’s airports changed?

Cargo turnover reached 33,600 tonnes in January–September 2026 (+30%). Around 26,000 tonnes passed through the airports during the same period in 2025.

Which Georgian airport handles the most passengers?

Tbilisi Airport leads the market. It received 1,099,204 passengers in the first quarter of 2026 (+8%).

What improvements are planned at Tbilisi and Kutaisi airports?

Tbilisi Airport’s annual capacity is expected to rise from 5 million to 10 million passengers. In Kutaisi, a runway is being built and the terminal is scheduled for expansion. Its projected capacity is up to 5 million passengers a year.

When will construction of the new airport in Vaziani begin?

The provisional start date is December 2027. Public, private and mixed financing models are under consideration.

What opportunities does airport development in Georgia offer investors?

Expansion of aviation infrastructure creates opportunities in hospitality, trade, commercial property and logistics. International connections and tourism demand support interest in these sectors.