New Runway Opens at Tbilisi Airport

TBILISI – More than three months after a heavily criticized reconstruction project began, which forced those travelling to and from Tbilisi to fly in the middle of the night or early morning, the main runway of Tbilisi’s Airport has now opened to regular traffic, Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili said.

“We plan to do everything to make the airport ready for any new challenges ahead,” said Kumsidhvili. “The new lighting system will further improve the flight safety level of the airport. The incoming and outgoing aircraft will be able to land takeoff during poor weather conditions.”

The decision to upgrade the runway was made after the government renewed its agreement with TAV Holding, which is responsible for operating the Tbilisi and Batumi airports.

The renovation project cost USD 30 million (70 million GEL) to carry out.

The airport will begin building a new terminal later this year, with the completion date set for late 2017.

By Eka Karsaulidze

Photo: Ministry of Economy's press office