New, modern runway opens at Tbilisi International Airport

The main runway at Georgia’s central airport has opened today after extensive reconstruction over the last 12 weeks.

Since early May the airport’s operator, TAV Georgia, has carried out a major upgrade and resurfacing of the main runway at Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport.

Thanks to the remedial work, the main runway now meets international standards and can cater for growing air traffic and larger planes.

Furthermore, the main runway was now fitted with navigation lights, for which more than 10 million GEL (about $5 million/€4 million*) was invested.

The new system of lighting will further improve the flight safety level in Georgia and the aircrafts will be able to better fly or land during poor weather conditions,” stated Georgia’s Ministry of Economy in a press release.

Within the main runway rehabilitation project 135,000 tonnes of asphalt was laid. Photo by Ministry of Economy's press office.

More than 70 million GEL (about $30 million/€27 million*) was invested in the main runway rehabilitation project. About 200 people were employed during the rehabilitation works. 

Within the main runway rehabilitation project 135,000 tonnes of asphalt was laid.

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.

TAV Holding is the company responsible for operating Georgia’s two main airports Tbilisi and Batumi International Airports.

*Currencies are equivalent with the latest exchange rate by the National Bank of Georgia.