GEORGIA. TAV Airports has secured a concession extension at Tbilisi International Airport through to the end of 2031, underpinning a US$150 million investment programme that will see significant commercial offer expansion at Georgia’s main aviation gateway.
The agreement, signed with the Government of Georgia, extends TAV’s existing concession beyond its current January 2027 expiry and sets out the next phase of development at Tbilisi Airport, where the operator has held the concession since 2005.
The expansion is scheduled for completion by 2028 and will increase annual terminal capacity beyond 10 million passengers.
Commercial development is a central component of the investment programme, with new retail and food & beverage areas planned alongside the refurbishment of existing passenger spaces.
The expanded offer will place particular emphasis on Georgian cuisine and locally sourced products, with increasing dwell time identified by TAV as the primary driver behind the retail and F&B expansion.
TAV Airports told The Moodie Davitt Report there will be two new food & beverage locations dedicated to Georgian cuisine, two play areas for children and the airport’s lounge capacity will be tripled, with new premium services added.
Landside access will also be enhanced through the addition of 500 car parking spaces.
Tbilisi Airport served more than 5.4 million passengers in 2025, representing year-on-year growth of +13.7%. Since TAV took over operations in 2005, traffic has increased at a compound annual growth rate of +12.6%, placing sustained pressure on terminal infrastructure and commercial throughput.
The investment will add 19,500sq m to the existing 37,500sq m terminal. The number of passenger boarding bridges will double to ten, supported by seven new remote parking stands.
Additional check-in, passport control and baggage-handling facilities will be installed, while existing passenger areas will be upgraded to support higher volumes and improved flow.
TAV Airports CEO Serkan Kaptan said: “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 tenfold, 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 US$230 million in Georgia, and with this new investment, Tbilisi will strengthen its position as a hub.
“We are proud of past achievements and committed to contribute further to the growth of Georgia. I would like to thank the Government of Georgia for their trust and unwavering support and our stakeholders for their collaboration, and our employees for providing the best possible travel experience to our passengers.”
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Georgia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze commented: “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.”
TAV Airports also operates Batumi Airport, Georgia’s third-busiest, and is part of Groupe ADP. ✈
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