Surge in Traffic and Freight Marks Strong Growth for Georgia’s Aviation Sector
Georgia’s aviation sector has seen remarkable growth in the third quarter of 2024, with passenger turnover rising by 45% compared to the previous year. According to the latest data from Geostat, Georgia’s national statistics service, the country’s airlines carried a total of 597.9 million passengers, a significant increase driven by both stronger passenger numbers and a jump in freight transport.
This growth has come at a time when the demand for air travel and freight services has rebounded globally, highlighting the resilience of Georgia’s aviation industry. The country’s airports have become busier than ever, with passenger traffic seeing a 20.6% increase across all terminals, bringing the total number of passengers to 2.46 million in just the third quarter alone. In terms of year-on-year turnover, Georgia has experienced a staggering 69.1% increase, marking a powerful recovery from the pandemic-era disruptions.
Growth in Passengers and Freight
Geostat’s detailed report also sheds light on the impressive growth in freight transport during this period. The volume of goods moved by air increased by 69.6 thousand tons, with a total of 159.8 million tonne-kilometers recorded. This surge in freight activity underlines Georgia’s growing role as a regional hub for both passenger and cargo transportation.
While passenger traffic at airports surged by 20.6%, the increase in arrivals was even more notable, seeing a rise of 21.2%. Departures from Georgia’s airports also experienced a solid growth of 20.1%. These figures reflect the ongoing recovery in both tourism and business travel, as people return to flying post-pandemic.
Scheduled Flights Dominate the Traffic
Scheduled flights were the primary driver of this growth, accounting for 93.7% of all passengers in the third quarter. This reflects the overall stability of commercial aviation within the country, as the vast majority of passengers opted for scheduled services over other types of flights.
Flight operations themselves grew by 15.8%, showing that Georgia’s airlines are meeting increasing demand with more scheduled services. This surge in flights has been a key factor in handling the rising number of passengers, while also accommodating the freight transport needs.
Freight Transport Shows Exceptional Growth
One of the most striking statistics in the Geostat report is the 89.4% increase in freight flights. With a large portion of cargo operations classified as inbound (88%), Georgia’s airports have solidified their position as critical entry points for goods coming into the region.
This uptick in freight flights can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the expansion of international trade and the role of Georgian airports as transit points for goods traveling to and from other markets. The growth in cargo flights highlights a shift in the aviation sector, where passenger growth and freight transport are becoming increasingly interconnected.
Positive Outlook for Georgian Aviation Industry
These developments underscore a strong period of recovery for the Georgian aviation industry, which faced considerable challenges over the past few years. With passenger numbers on the rise, cargo transport booming, and more flights operating than ever before, Georgia’s airlines are positioned for continued growth heading into the final months of 2024.
The increase in both passenger and freight traffic suggests that Georgia’s aviation sector is not only recovering from past disruptions but is also on a path toward sustained growth. As the global economy continues to stabilize, Georgian airlines are expected to maintain this momentum, offering both passengers and businesses increased connectivity and service options.
