An interview with Director of the Civil Aviation Agency Guram Jalagonia

According to the Agency, 2015 was a record year in the number of passengers arrived in Georgia. What is the reason?

In 2015, Georgia's airports served 2 261 000 people that is  the highest figure in the last years. The growth in passenger traffic was caused by several factors - primarily due to the opening of regular air links with Russia. A number of passengers on Georgia-  Turkey flights is   also growing,  in particular, the airline "Pegasus" has added new destinations . A 44% rise in passenger traffic in the direction of Israel should  be also mentioned.

Which  airport was the busiest? 

In 2015, Tbilisi was the busiest airport which handled 1 847 111 passengers, which is 17, 25% more than in 2014. Batumi airport served 226 476 people (+5, 91%), passenger traffic at the airport in Mestia rose two-fold. The number of passengers at Kutaisi airport  decreased  by 35 049 due to hindrances in  air  communication  with Ukraine.

What are the prospects for Georgia's aviation market in the coming years?

It should be noted that passenger traffic is steadily  growing  on the Georgian market in recent years and with it grows the number of airlines operating in the country. Based on this trend, we can expect a further growth in passenger traffic, although it is difficult to predict how much.

Various factors  should  be taken  into account. For example, due to the deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations, we should expect growth in the number of passengers from Russia that is very important as tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Georgian economy.

We expect  growth mainly from the neighboring countries  such as  Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia as well as  Israel.
 

The Agency is ready to cooperate with all airlines operating in Georgia in order to achieve growth in the number of passengers. In particular, we are trying to increase the number of flights, and add new to the existing ones. We are also ready to cooperate with foreign companies if they wish to come to the Georgian market.

Source:commersant.ge