The New Modern "Mimino" Airport in Telavi Set to Welcome Its First Passengers in 2024

Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili announced in a recent government meeting that Telavi will be the site of a new state-of-the-art airport. Slated to commence its construction and design phases this year, the "Mimino" Airport aims to welcome its inaugural flight of passengers in May or June of 2024. The project has received a financial allocation of 25-30 million GEL.

Leveraging the historical significance of the existing airfield in Telavi, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for revitalizing the infrastructure with cutting-edge facilities. "The runway will be elongated to 1700 meters, equipped with advanced navigation systems. Additionally, we'll introduce ample parking facilities and comfortable passenger lounges," said Gharibashvili.

The modernization is part of a broader strategy to bolster domestic air travel, enabling more efficient connections between Telavi and other key Georgian cities like Batumi, Mestia, Ambrolauri, and Kutaisi. "This development is not just for our citizens; it's an invitation to tourists as well. The government has been assisting local aviation companies for years, and we intend to amplify these efforts. When completed, Georgia will boast six state-of-the-art airports," the Prime Minister elaborated.

As a point of reference, the existing Erekle II Airport "Mimino" in Telavi, owned by the Aviation University of Georgia, has been operational since 2012. Currently serving as a training ground for students in the Faculty of Aviation and Engineering, the airport hosts an aircraft technical service enterprise, a navigation tower, a terminal building for passengers, and dormitories for pilot-instructors and engineering-technical staff. The airport houses three types of aircraft: Cessna 152, Aeroprakt A-22, and Tecnam P2006T.