MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Levan Davitashvili: “In order to build and develop a new international airport in Tbilisi, relevant feasibility studies will be conducted with involvement of the world’s leading experts”

05-06-2023

“In order to build and develop a new international airport in Tbilisi, relevant feasibility studies will be conducted with involvement of the world’s leading experts,” –  this was the statement by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili at the press-conference at the Government Administration.

Levan Davitashvili noted that Georgia really needs a new international airport, so the relevant preparation works at the Ministry of Economy was launched several months ago. During this period, the capabilities of the existing airport were studied and it was revealed that the airport has significant limitations, including those related to the territory and further development. According to the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, there are also certain restrictions in terms of navigation, which are directly related to the security issues.

“Our goal is to have a new, extremely developed airport and to create a competitive environment. Vaziani Airport is one of the most attractive options in terms of security, it was once built in this location due to those many advantages in terms of navigation, as well as in terms of city development. Therefore, when we talk about a new airport or the development of an existing airport, we take into account a lot of economic issues, including urban development, as well as the economic opportunity that the airport should create. We are not just talking about the aviation infrastructure, because the airport is an entire ecosystem with business development, cargo and logistics operations, etc.,” – Vice Prime Minister commented.

At the same time, Levan Davitashvili emphasized that the essential issue is what are the forecasts regarding the passenger flow in Georgia in the future. According to Davitashvili, the Government’s forecast is quite optimistic - the number of visitors to Georgia will increase significantly, which is confirmed by the trend of the last 10 years.

“When we talk about an airport or a new airport project, of course, the plan could not be short-term. Therefore, counting on having a new airport until 2030 would not be a responsible or realistic approach, our calculations should be based on the capabilities that the airport should have in 2050,” – Vice Prime Minister said.

Levan Davitashvili also explained that according to today’s decree by the Government, several international expert groups and consulting companies will be engaged in the studies. In addition, the studies prepared by Georgian experts will be verified and additional studies will be conducted together with the world’s leading experts.

As for the deadlines - according to the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, decision to build a new airport or expand the existing one shall be made this year. However, specific plan of the new airport, at least the technical conditions it should have, will be determined this year. “Our desire and plan is to start the construction of the new airport by the beginning of 2024, which will probably last up to 3-4 years,” – Levan Davitashvili added.

 

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