Economy Minister: new Tbilisi airport, football stadium projects to “transform economy”, create opportunities

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Monday highlighted “transformative potential” of Government projects for a new international airport and football stadium in the capital city of Tbilisi, emphasising their role in “creating new opportunities for economic growth”.

Davitashvili noted the airport project, earmarked for a former military airfield in Vaziani, near the city, was anticipated to enhance airline and air freight sectors, and bolster the broader transport and logistics areas of the domestic economy.

Vaziani has emerged as the most suitable location for building an airport in eastern Georgia, despite the complex challenges posed by our mountainous terrain. We have completed research analysis at the Ministry, and we know the configuration of the airport. The next stage is a competition for a detailed design that is currently underway”, he said.

The Minister added the airport project was “important not only for Tbilisi but also for the overall spatial development of the country”.

Davitashvili said the project would stimulate growth of the capital city, which he noted currently faced development limitations due to restrictions imposed by the existing airport’s operations. The Minister added these restrictions would be alleviated with the relocation to Vaziani, with the move also benefiting Rustavi, a nearby city.

He emphasised the Government prioritised the development of Tbilisi, Rustavi and Vaziani area, adding the Spatial and Urban Development Agency was working to ensure the development would be “harmonious” and serve as a “new source of economic growth”.

The football stadium project is set to function as a multi-purpose venue, accommodating not only sports fixtures but also concerts and other entertainment events, contributing to the growth of tourism in the country.

The 70,000-capacity stadium will be built in Tbilisi with a goal of hosting the 2028 final of the UEFA Champions League.

In addition to the two initiatives, Davitashvili highlighted the progress of construction of the Anaklia deep sea port, a project for the Black Sea town to ensure increased logistical capability between Asia and Europe.

He said works were “proceeding rapidly”, with mobilisation of materials and ongoing laboratory studies. Davitashvili added project conditions and details were being clarified in collaboration with the engineering design firm Royal Haskoning DHV, a subcontractor of a company that won the construction tender for the facility.

The Minister mentioned the Government was currently engaged in investor negotiations, with a “solid consortium” expected to form soon. He expressed confidence the construction timeline would remain on track, with the first ships anticipated to arrive in the port by 2028.