Main runway at Tbilisi International Airport needs repair

The main runway at Tbilisi International Airport will soon undergo major repairs to make sure it meets international standards.

Remedial work will begin on the runway in September, announced the Government after officials met with representatives of Turkey-based TAV Airports Holding today - the company responsible for operating Georgia’s two main airports - Tbilisi and Batumi International Airports.

The decision to overhaul the runway was made at today’s meeting after the Government renewed its agreement with TAV Airports Holding to continue operating the Tbilisi International Airport.

The company’s first contract with Tbilisi International Airport, signed in 2005 TAV Airports Holding responsible for operations at the airport until 2025, but today this agreement was extended until 2027.

In a media statement, the Georgian Government said it welcomed the investments made by TAV Airports Holding in Georgia and the renewed agreement reflected that. The parties noted the deal was signed after two years’ negotiations.

The media statement said further developing the airport and upgrading the runway and terminal were the main topics of today’s discussion. It did not state whether the runway rehabilitation works will have any effect on flights into and out of Tbilisi, nor did it mention how long the works would take.

Meanwhile Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and TAV Airports Holding President Sani Sener announced the renewed agreement included some changes but did not explain what these changes entailed. However it is known that the agreement outlined the role and responsibilities of TAV Airports Holding while operating Tbilisi International Airport.

TAV Airports Holding were first offered a 20-year contract to operate Tbilisi International Airport in 2005. This was the first project the company had outside of Turkey. At the time of the original discussion, Georgia was expected to become an important bridge between Europe and Asia, and now this has become a reality.

Tbilisi International Airport has been operated by TAV Urban Georgia LLC since October 31, 2005 – which is 66 percent owned by TAV Airports Holding.

In 2007 TAV Urban Georgia LLC were responsible for constructing a new passenger terminal at Tbilisi International Airport. The facility opened for service on February 7, 2007, and helped the airport fulfil its regional strategic importance.

Meanwhile TAV Airports Hlding started operating at Batumi International Airport in May 2007.