Kutaisi Airport turns 14 as the airport marks 14 years of development and international operations. Over the years, the airport has grown from a small regional gateway into one of Georgia’s key international airports.
The anniversary will be marked on September 29, 2026, with events organized by United Airports of Georgia. The week also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Wizz Air’s base at Kutaisi Airport.
Kutaisi Airport turns 14
Kutaisi Airport turns 14 as the airport enters a new stage of infrastructure development and expansion.
Today, six airlines connect Kutaisi with 16 countries and 32 destinations. Twenty-five of these destinations are in Europe. The airport has become an important part of Georgia’s international air connectivity, particularly for travelers from western and eastern parts of the country.
The development of the airport began with the full rehabilitation and reopening of Kopitnari Airport 14 years ago. Since then, the passenger terminal has been expanded several times, while airfield infrastructure and passenger services have also been upgraded.
More information about the airport’s infrastructure and development is available on the official Kutaisi International Airport page.
A New Runway Is Nearing Completion
One of the airport’s most important infrastructure projects is the construction of a new 3.5-kilometer runway and related airfield infrastructure.
The project is currently in its final stage, with the opening planned for the end of 2026. The new runway will allow the airport to handle larger passenger and cargo aircraft.
This could also create opportunities for new international routes, including longer-haul direct connections.
Travel News has previously reported on the project in the article Kutaisi Airport to Have a New Runway in 2026.
From 12,800 Passengers to Nearly 1.8 Million
According to United Airports of Georgia, Kutaisi Airport served around 12,800 passengers during its first year of operation.
By 2025, annual passenger traffic had grown to nearly 1.8 million.
The airport currently has an estimated annual capacity of around 2.5 million passengers. Plans for further development aim to increase this capacity to approximately 5 million passengers per year, including through the expansion of the passenger terminal.
The airport’s location is also important for improving air connectivity across Georgia.
Wizz Air Marks 10 Years at Kutaisi
Another important milestone is the 10th anniversary of Wizz Air’s base at Kutaisi Airport.
The airline opened its Kutaisi base in 2016. Since then, Wizz Air has become one of the major airlines operating from the airport, connecting Kutaisi with a number of European destinations.
The latest flight information can be checked through the official Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia flight schedules.
New Services for Passengers
The airport has also continued to develop passenger services.
A business lounge has recently opened at Kutaisi Airport. According to United Airports of Georgia, demand for the service exceeded initial expectations.
Passengers can also use Fast Track services, providing an additional option for those looking for a faster airport experience.
United Airports of Georgia has published more information about the new business lounge at Kutaisi Airport.
Kutaisi Airport and Cargo Development
The development plans are not limited to passenger aviation.
Cargo terminals and air cargo infrastructure are also planned as part of the airport’s future development. This could allow Kutaisi Airport to play a greater role in Georgia’s air cargo transportation alongside Tbilisi International Airport.
The new runway is an important part of this longer-term development.
How to Get to Kutaisi Airport
For passengers traveling through Kutaisi Airport, access to the airport is also an important part of the journey.
Travel News has prepared a separate guide explaining how to get to Kutaisi Airport, including transportation options from Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi.
Anniversary Week and Special Offers
To mark the anniversary, partner companies and tourism-related facilities are offering special deals from September 28 to October 4, 2026.
The anniversary program combines the airport’s history with its ongoing development and highlights the role Kutaisi Airport plays in Georgia’s tourism and transport infrastructure.
The Next Stage for Kutaisi Airport
Fourteen years after its reopening, Kutaisi Airport has undergone major changes.
Passenger traffic has increased from around 12,800 in its first year to nearly 1.8 million in 2025. The airport now serves 32 destinations in 16 countries and continues to develop its infrastructure and passenger services.
With a new 3.5-kilometer runway nearing completion, plans to increase annual capacity to around 5 million passengers, and future cargo development, Kutaisi Airport is entering another important stage of its development.
