New facilities on way after TAV Airports extends Tbilisi Airport concession

Global airport operator, TAV Airports, has pledged to invest $150 million on the next phase of the development of Tbilisi Airport after extending its concession to operate the Georgian gateway.

The plan to upgrade the airport is described as a comprehensive programme to enhance capacity, operational efficiency, and overall passenger journey.

TAV Airports CEO, Serkan Kaptan, enthused: “Georgia holds a special place in our company’s history, as it was our first step in becoming a global brand.

“During the last 20 years, in collaboration with our stakeholders, we have managed to develop Tbilisi Airport as a hub in the region. Annual traffic grew by almost 10-fold, from 540,000 to more than 5.4 million.

“Today, 63 airlines are flying to 71 destinations and connecting Georgia with the rest of the world. Furthermore, Tbilisi Airport stands out as the leading airport in the region in terms of passenger satisfaction and sustainability.

“To date, we have invested more than $230 million in Georgia, and with this new investment, Tbilisi will strengthen its position as a hub.”

The gateway to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi Airport surpassed the 5.4 million passenger mark in 2025, representing a traffic increase of 13.7% compared to the same period last year.

TAV Airports overtook operations in 2005 and during the last two decades, the airport achieved an annual compound traffic growth of 12.6%.

The gateway was ranked among the best airports in Eastern Europe by Skytrax in 2025.

According to TAV Airports, its investment will add another 19,500sqm to the existing 37,500sqm terminal allowing the airport to double its number of passenger to 10, In addition the airport will  get seven new remote parking stands and 500 extra spaces in its car park.

The upgrade, which could be completed as early as 2028, will add 10 check-in counters, 24 passport control counters and two baggage carousels and new commercial areas will be created to further enhance the passenger experience.

During the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, said “Tbilisi International Airport is one of the country’s most important strategic infrastructure facilities and plays a special role in the development of the economy and tourism.

“The significance of the airport’s expansion becomes even more evident given that 2025 was a record year for the development of tourism and aviation in Georgia. Last year, the country recorded 5.5 million tourist visits, which is a historic high.

“The rapid development of Georgia’s economy and specifically the tourism and aviation sectors, has enabled new airlines to enter the market, new routes to be added, a significant increase in Georgia’s connectivity with leading global aviation hubs and a further strengthening of our country’s role in both the regional and global aviation space.

“We are creating conditions where investment, innovation and high standards align and where the state acts as a guarantor of stability and fair rules.

“This approach allows us, through future-oriented steps, to strengthen the country’s role in international aviation and ensure sustainable benefits for every citizen of Georgia.”

The current concession agreement ends in January 2027 for Tbilisi, and with today’s agreement, TAV Airports will extend its concession in Tbilisi until the end of 2031.

 About TAV Airports

TAV Airports provides integrated services in all areas of airport operations, with a global footprint at more than 100 airports in more than 30 countries.

In 2025, TAV Airports welcomed 113 million passengers across its portfolio.

A member of Groupe ADP, TAV Airports is part of the leading airport management platform globally and through its subsidiaries, TAV is active in airport service businesses, including duty-free, food and beverage, ground handling, IT, private security, and commercial area management.