The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, together with the Minister of Finance, Lasha Khutsishvili, and the Minister of Infrastructure, Revaz Sokhadze, visited David Agmashenebeli International Airport in Kutaisi [KIA] to review ongoing works and inspect completed projects.

The ministers were briefed on the progress of construction of the new 3.6-km runway and airfield infrastructure, which is now in its final stage.

“The new runway will be 3.6 km long, which means it will be the longest runway in our country. Accordingly, we will be able to accommodate aircraft of any size, whether cargo or passenger, at KIA. This will substantially increase the airport’s capacity, allowing us to receive more flights, and the development of this infrastructure must also support the growth of cargo transport at KIA. Over roughly the next three months, we will fully complete the ongoing construction works, which will precede the airport’s full commissioning. It is also important to note that we are, in effect, completing the installation of lighting equipment and other navigation systems.

Given that the current infrastructure works are fully in line with the schedule, we expect that this autumn we will already be able to open the new runway and taxiways and bring them into full operation, so that the first flight on the new infrastructure at KIA takes place this autumn”, - said Mariam Kvrivishvili.

The ministers also inspected projects carried out within the airport premises, including two new premium services introduced to improve passenger comfort and service quality: a business lounge and a Fast Track service.

As Mariam Kvrivishvili explained, the infrastructure works currently underway are fully in line with the government’s broader development plan for KIA.

A project of this scale in aviation infrastructure is being carried out for the first time in the history of independent Georgia, with a total value of GEL 240 million. The airport will be able to receive and service the world’s largest aircraft once the new infrastructure is commissioned. This will significantly expand the airport’s capabilities and strengthen Georgia’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the ministers were briefed on the ongoing and completed projects at KIA by Deputy Minister Tamar Ioseliani and the Director General of the Georgian Airports Union, Levan Moseshvili.