TAV Airports doubled the capacity of Batumi Airport invested with an investment of USD17 M and the new terminal is inaugurated with the participation of PM Irakli Garibashvili. The new facility will be able to accommodate 1.2 million passengers annually
The globally preferred brand in airport operations, TAV Airports opened the new terminal at Batumi Airport. The opening ceremony was attended by PM Irakli Garibashvili, The Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava, TAV Airports President&CEO Sani Şener, members of the government and invited guests.
TAV Airports CEO&President Sani Sener said: “We are proud to complete the expansion of Batumi Airport amid the pandemic which has deeply affected the aviation industry on a global scale. Since we have taken over the operations in 2007, in close collaboration with the government and stakeholders we have increased the annual traffic from 40 000 to more than 600 000 in 2019. During the same period, the number of airlines flying to Batumi increased to 30 from 5. In the last 14 years, we have invested more than USD 220 million in Tbilisi and Batumi airports and worked towards establishing Georgia as the largest hub in the region. A beautiful spot on the Black Sea coast with a rich history, Batumi is also a testament to the strong cooperation between Georgia and Turkey. With the new facilities, we’ll continue promoting Batumi around the world and providing an excellent travel experience to our passengers. I would like to thank the Government of Georgia starting from PM Mr. Garibashvili, Ministry of Development and Economy, all governmental institutions such as Police, Security, Customs and Georgian aviation authorities for their continuous support and cooperation and our team for making this achievement possible in these challenging times.”
TAV Airports is operating the airports of the Georgian capital Tbilisi and Batumi -a favored tourism destination on the Black Sea coast with a rich cultural heritage- since 2007.
The expansion project doubled the terminal area from 4 000 sqm to 8 000 sqm. The baggage handling zone is upgraded with an additional luggage carousel and automated conveyor system. The number of check-in counters increased to 14 from 8, and the number of passport control desks increased to 20 from 12. Two bus gates are added, bringing the total number to six.
The duty-free areas operated by ATÜ, the F&B areas operated by BTA and the Primeclass lounge operates by TAV OS also expanded. More than 300 people were employed during the construction works.
