Georgian airports kick off 2026 with double-digit growth
In the first month of 2026, Georgian airports collectively served 613,930 passengers
The Ministry of Economy of Georgia has released its international airports performance data for January 2026, revealing double-digit growth in passenger traffic and a significant surge in air cargo volumes. Following a record-breaking 2025, the new year has commenced with a 15.7% increase in total passenger throughput compared to the same period last year.
In the first month of 2026, Georgian airports collectively served 613,930 passengers. This growth was supported by a robust increase in flight frequency, with total flight movements reaching 2,873—a 16.17% rise year-over-year.
The performance across the country’s three primary hubs showed varying trends:
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) continues to lead national growth, serving 430,034 passengers, a substantial 25.1% increase over January 2025.
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT), the low-cost hub, maintained steady upward movement with 138,028 passengers, marking an 8.1% increase.
Contrastingly, Batumi International Airport (BUS), serving Black Sea resort city of Batumi, saw a decline in winter traffic, serving 44,894 passengers, down 21.4% compared to the previous January.
The most aggressive growth was recorded in the logistics sector. Cargo volumes reached 3,147 tons in January 2026, representing a massive 38.75% spike over 2025 figures.
Additionally, Georgia’s role as a regional transit corridor continues to solidify. Total airspace utilization—encompassing take-offs, landings, and overflights—rose by 9.56%, with a total of 24,387 flight operations recorded during the month.
The January figures follow a historic 2025 for Georgian aviation, which set all-time highs across every major metric: annual passengers: 8,495 million (a national record), annual flights: 38,200 operations (+17.5%), annual cargo: 38,578 tons (+50%).
CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Record growth for Georgia’s airports in 2025: passenger traffic up 14%, freight soars 50%.
CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: France’s Groupe ADP to invest $150 million in Tbilisi airport.
CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Georgia’s airports surpass annual record in just 11 months with 14% passenger growth.
