Telavi Airport Officially Opens

TELAVI, Georgia – A new airport located in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region opened Monday in the district capital Telavi.

Named after an 18th century regional monarch, the Erekle II Airport will mainly service domestic charter flights as well the occasional international flight using 6-seater Piper Seneca airplanes.

The small airport is equipped with modern service hangers and air traffic control equipment and navigation tower, as well as a small passenger terminal and dormitory for pilots, ground crew and flight students.

Local officials hope to open a helicopter aviation school in the future, which would work alongside the airport’s existing fixed-wing academy.

The Telavi airport currently employs up to 40 people, including 16 local residents.

By Ana Akhalaia

Edited by Nicholas Waller