It is a beautiful country to visit. This country has a modern airport system. And three major airports handle all international flights train line:
- Tbilisi (TBS) is the main airport in the capital city.
- Kutaisi (KUT) is a cheaper hub that primarily serves western Georgia.
- Batumi (BUS) is the entry point for Black Sea coast.
This guide covers all key details including airlines and transport services. You will learn everything you need to know about flying and getting around once you land.
A Quick Look at Georgia’s Airport System
Georgia has three main airports as we discussed above. And smaller airports such as Ambrolauri and Mestia connect different parts of Georgia and provide access to the beautiful mountain regions.
Amount of people using Georgia’s airports is quickly growing. More people are flying there now and about 7.4 million people will fly through its airports in 2024. And experts also believe it will continue to grow in future.
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Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport (TBS)
Pick this airport for better flight options and faster travel around the country. Tbilisi now connects around 62 destinations via over 45 airlines including major cities like Istanbul and European hubs. The busiest routes are Istanbul and Dubai in general.
What to Expect?
- Lounges including the TBC Concept Space and the Primeclass Lounge that you can book.
- You can find international brands and the ATU Duty Free for food and shopping. You can also purchase Georgian wine here.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
- Medical help is available throughout the day. And there is a pharmacy in the departure hall.
- You can find multiple banks and currency exchange counters.
- Left luggage storage is available all time in Departures.
- Aid for disabled tourists is also present. But you must book it in advance through your airline or travel agent.
- You can take City Bus #337 from right across from Arrivals to travel into the city.
- You can also take a taxi which takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Note: A short train route links the airport to Tbilisi, but it doesn’t run regularly. For a smoother arrival, most visitors choose taxis or buses instead.
Kutaisi Davit Agmashenebeli International Airport (KUT)
Choose Kutaisi Airport if you want affordable flights and easy access to Western Georgia especially the Imereti region and the scenic Svaneti mountains. It’s the best starting point for travellers heading to places like Kutaisi, Martvili Canyon, Mestia or Ushguli. Kutaisi also features a modest Kutaisi Lounge, providing basic comfort, Wi-Fi, and light snacks.
What to Expect?
- It has a basic lounge that provides Wi-Fi and light refreshments.
- Food and shopping options include vegan snacks from Banagi and the ATU Duty Free.
- You can find ATMs and currency exchange counters like Liberty and Cartu for your cash and card payments.
- Shuttle buses run here on a fixed time that matches with flights.
- Taxis are available all time. And car rental firms are located right on the airport for people who want to drive.
Tip: Choose this airport for west Georgia road trips as it means shorter drives and cheaper taxi fares than TBS.
Batumi Alexander Kartveli International Airport (BUS)
Choose it if you want to visit the seaside and regional resorts. It’s perfect for beach holidays and it’s just a few kilometers away from downtown. Batumi runs regular flights to key international hubs like Istanbul. You’ll also find seasonal domestic flights to Tbilisi, which make travelling between the coast and the capital much easier during busy travel periods. Routes climb sharply in summer which adds seasonal flights to the Gulf.
What to Expect?
- You can access its lounge by paying a fee.
- This airport provides all essential services along with a medical point and a currency exchange facility.
- Taxis and buses offer quick rides to Batumi. You can also take intercity buses to connect to Tbilisi if you depart from that airport.
Note: Expect more seasonal flights and busier security lines during peak summer months. So make sure to arrive early here during this time.
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Domestic and Regional Airfields
Georgia also has many smaller airports like Mestia and Ambrolauri. They are used for short flights or reaching the mountain areas. These small airports aren’t for international flights. But they help connect to other regions after you land in Georgia. And ensure to check the local weather before booking a flight to mountain destinations.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
The best one depends on your specific plans and budget. Each of them offers different benefits. So, ensure to pick one that matches your needs for a smooth trip.
Choose TBS Airport if you want:
- To get the maximum number of flights that arrive frequently.
- An airport that manages late-night arrivals well and offers easy travel across Georgia.
- The quickest way to visit Tbilisi and the Kakheti wine region.
Choose KUT Airport if you want:
- The lowest ticket prices are on Wizz Air and other budget airlines.
- To get direct access to western Georgia’s sights like the Imereti and Svaneti regions.
- Affordable airport shuttles that make it easy to travel to both Tbilisi and Batumi.
Choose BUS Airport if you want:
- A great base for visiting the coast and taking day trips to Machakhela mountains.
- Access seasonal flights from the Middle East and Israel during the summer.
- An airport with the shortest travel time to the city centre. It only takes 10 minutes to get there from the airport.
Future Trends
The government is planning a new international airport near Vaziani due to surging tourism in Georgia. This project is meant for future growth and should be able to manage up to 19 to 20 million travellers every year.
This new airport is currently being planned with support from the Asian Development Bank. This project highlights Georgia’s goal to become a major international travel hub even though it’s not yet open.
Essential Travel Tips
This section will help you get through Georgia’s airports and plan your arrival easily. Following the advice mentioned below will save you time and ensure your trip starts without any problem.
- Choose an airport based on your trip’s final destination and not only low prices.
- Arrive early during peak seasons and consider booking a lounge if required.
- Use ATMs for better money exchange rates and keep small cash ready for local transport.
- Stay flexible on stopover cities like Istanbul or Dubai. And compare total travel times including any overnight stops.
Follow these tips to make sure your Georgia trip starts smoothly so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
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Conclusion
Georgia has modern airports that offer great global connections. Each of its three airports has a role. Tbilisi airport is the main hub which Kutaisi provides a budget route to Europe. And Batumi is perfect for Black Sea trips.
It’s becoming easy to visit Georgia now due to new flights and airports. This just means you have more flight options and can get around Georgia faster. Your arrival will be smooth with easy transport to begin a memorable trip.
FAQs
Q1. Which airport is best for new visitors?
TBS is your option as it has more flights and has late night arrival services that are perfect for long journeys.
Q2. Which airport in Georgia is best for budget travelers?
KUT airport is your place to find cheaper flights. You can also get a bus from here to Tbilisi and Batumi.
Q3. Is Batumi International Airport open all time for international flights?
You can fly through this airport all year. But it receives extra flights in summer, especially from the Middle East and Europe. It’s a perfect airport to visit beaches and resort towns.
Q4. How far is Tbilisi Airport from the city center?
TBS is very close to the city center. Taxis take about twenty to thirty minutes and buses take about thirty to forty minutes.
Q5. Are there direct flights from India to Georgia in 2025?
There are no such flights at present. So be ready to stop in a major city like Istanbul or Abu Dhabi first before coming here.
Q6. Which airport is best for exploring Western Georgia and Svaneti?
KUT is best to fly into as its closest to major sights like Martvili Canyon and Kutaisi city. It’s also the easiest place to start your trip for Svaneti mountains.
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About Author
Awant Verma
Awant Verma, Head – Brand and Marketing at DU Digital Global Ltd., has over 20 years of experience in marketing and product management across diverse industries. He has worked with leading organizations such as Kantar Group, Reliance Capital, Apollo International, and Finstar (Russia). With a background in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA in marketing and finance, and advanced credentials in Digital Marketing and Brand Management from IIM-B, he brings both strategic insight and technical acumen.
