Runway upgrade of Tbilisi International Airport begins

Remedial work has begun on the main runway and terminal at Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport to ensure it meets international standards and can cater for growing air traffic.

Today Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Economy Minister Dimitri Kumsishvili visited the construction site.

While at the airport the two officials also met Sani Sener, president of Turkey-based TAV Airports Holding - the company responsible for operating Georgia’s two main airports Tbilisi and Batumi International Airports.

Further developing the capital city’s airport and upgrading the runway and terminal were the main topics of today’s discussion. The sides did not state whether the runway rehabilitation would have any effect on flights into and out of Tbilisi.

The rehabilitation works will be completed in June 2016.

We enjoyed a record number of passengers, which is increasing gradually. In September 2015 the number of passengers increased by 25 percent compared to the same period of last year. After the rehabilitation works the interest towards our airport will increase further,” said Garibashvili.

I am sure Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport will meet international standards and in June next year our citizens and tourists will be able to enjoy a more comfortable flight,” he added.

The PM thanked TAV Holding for funding "the important investment” for Georgia.

The decision to upgrade the runway was made in May after the Government renewed its agreement with TAV Holding to continue operating Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Aiport.