Mestia Airport: One of world’s most beautiful airports, say BBC

A uniquely designed airport in the Georgian ski town of Mestia has been named among the top 10 most beautiful airports in the world.

The list was created by BBC Culture and aimed to show global airports "where flying becomes a work of art”.

Queen Tamar Airport in Mestia was listed as one of the best airports in terms of design and atmosphere. Boasting sleek glass and a modern style, the 8 million GEL facility contrasts its natural mountain surroundings but is sympathetic to the environment and ancient heritage.

Mestia is a small ski town located 1,500m high in the Caucasus mountain range in northwest Georgia. Its ancient churches and forts form a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Mestia Airport in Georgia; Photo by Georgian Civil Aviation Agency

"The bizarre new airport terminal in the guise of an extruded square steel and glass section bent into three improbable directions,” was how the building was described by the list’s author.

Mestia Airport was built in 2010 and cost about 8 million GEL. The facility was designed and created by German artist and architect Jurgen Mayer-Hermann. The black and white structure was designed to attract attention and curiosity and to help put Mestia on the map of the modern world.

The airport does not provide international flights but is targeted to transfer passengers, mainly tourists, from Georgia’s capital city Tbilisi to Mestia, which is a real tourist destination, particularly in winter.

Meanwhile, there are three international airports in Georgia – Tbilisi, Batumi and Kutaisi airports - that offer flights to and from many destinations around the globe.