Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili, together with Minister of Finance Lasha Khutsishvili and Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze, got acquainted with the ongoing works at the Kutaisi David Agmashenebeli International Airport and inspected the projects already implemented.
In particular, the ministers got acquainted with the progress of the construction of the new 3.6-kilometer runway and airfield infrastructure, which is in the final stage.
According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, this will be a historic project for the Georgian aviation and transport sector in general.
“The new runway will be 3.6 kilometers long, meaning it will be the longest runway in the country.” Therefore, we will have the opportunity to host all sizes of trucks or passenger cars at Kutaisi International Airport. This will significantly increase the sustainability of the airport, be able to accommodate more flights and of course, it will contribute to the development of this infrastructure, including the development of freight services at Kutaisi International Airport. Over the next 3 months or so, we will be fully completing the ongoing construction work leading up to being fully operational. It is also important that we, in fact, complete the installation of the lighting and other navigation systems,” the Minister of Economy stated.
According to the Minister, the new runway will be opened in the autumn of this year. “As the ongoing infrastructure works are fully in line with the plan and schedule, we assume that in the autumn of this year we will be able to open the new runway and taxiways and put them into full operation in order to receive the first flight at the new infrastructure at Kutaisi International Airport in the autumn of this year,” the Minister of Economy stated.
Ministers inspected projects implemented in the airport premises, including two new premium service business lounges and Fast Track designed to improve passenger comfort and quality of service.
According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, the existing infrastructure works are fully consistent with the large development plan that the government has for Kutaisi International Airport in general.
An aviation infrastructure project of such a scale will be implemented for the first time in the history of independent Georgia – its total cost is 240 million GEL. Once the new infrastructure goes into operation, the airport will be able to house and service the largest-scale aircraft in the world.
This will significantly increase the airport’s capabilities and strengthen Georgia’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub. According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, the project will have great value for the development of the country’s tourism and aviation sector.
Deputy Minister Tamar Ioseliani and General Director of the Georgian Airports Association Levan Moseshvili provided the ministers with information about the ongoing and implemented projects at Kutaisi Airport.
