2021-03-25

Batumi International Airport, named after prominent Georgian aircraft engineer Alexander Kartveli, will make a tremendous contribution to the development of the country's tourism. The airport's development and modernization has doubled its capacity: now 1,200,000 passengers a year, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in his speech at the opening of the new terminal of Batumi International Airport.

The Head of Government emphasized that the Governmentpresently face two major challenges: overcoming the pandemic and coping with the crisis caused by it as soon as possible, with tourism as one of the key sectors of the Georgian economy.

"Greetings, honorable guests from Turkey and France, our esteemed friends, Ambassadors!

I congratulate all of you on this day as we enjoy the sight of an upgraded Batumi Airport. As you know, we are all very motivated to lead our country out of this crisis as fast as possible. It is common knowledge that our Government presently face two major challenges: overcoming the pandemic and coping with the crisis caused by it as soon as possible. It is also clear that tourism, one of the key sectors of our economy, has been hit especially hard by the pandemic globally and in our country alike. We are doing everything for mitigating the damage and be better prepared for the post-pandemic period.Notably, not a single infrastructural project has been suspended in the country, and we have used this period to better our transport and logistics infrastructure to the best of our ability.Our effective fight against the pandemic has enabled us to open the country for international visitors at an early stage, and it is with great pride that I announce that Government presently face two major challenges: overcoming the pandemic and coping with the crisis caused by it as soon as possible," the Prime Minister emphasized.

According to Irakli Garibashvili, this project is important in that, despite the pandemic and recession, international investors-notably TAV Georgia, Batumi International Airport's operator-invested an additional 17 million USD in Georgia, a fact that calls for due appreciation.

"The airport's development and modernization has doubled its capacity: now 1,200,000 passengers a year. This large-scale project is also important because, despite the pandemic and recession, international investors-notably TAV Georgia, Batumi International Airport's operator-invested an additional 17 million USD in Georgia. Such a significant investment amid the pandemic, and in such a short period, calls for due appreciation.Also, the project employed almost 300 local residents. Once again, we are thankful to the investors, the project's authors, engineers, and builders, everyone involved in the implementation of this beautiful project," the Head of Government said.

After expansion and refurbishment, Batumi International Airportwill be able to serve 1,200,000 passengers a year. Despite the pandemic and the consequent economic crisis, TAV Georgia would not suspend construction. Better still, the company increased the amount of investment from 14 to 17 million USD.

The airport's expansion was due to growing passenger flows exceeding 600,000 in 2019. The construction effort employed almost 300 local residents.

Under the project, the existing passenger terminal, both arrivals and departures, was expanded, and the overall size of the new terminal grew from 4,000 m² to 8,000 m². In addition, the baggage processing area was also expanded in part, with a new conveyor system and one additional belt installed. Check-ins increased from 8 to 14, and border guard booths from 6 to 12 and from 6 to 8 in arrivals and departures, respectively. Two bus exits were added to the departure area, bringing up total number of bus exits for passengers to 6. In the same vein, the duty-free area was expanded, and so were Business Lounge and the airport's parking area. Also, the airport now has new international-standard food outlets.

The official opening ceremony was attended by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, TAV Holding's CEO Sani Sener, Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, Cabinet Members, representatives of the diplomatic corps, TAV Georgia's leadership, and visiting guests.

Press Service of the Government Administration