Georgia’s aviation sector has experienced a significant boost in 2024, with passenger turnover rising by 45% in the third quarter of the year. According to data from Geostat, the country’s national statistics service, the number of passengers transported reached 597.9 million, marking a notable recovery and growth in the aviation industry.
Passenger Traffic Soars
Passenger traffic across Georgia’s airports saw a dramatic 20.6% increase in the third quarter, bringing the total number of passengers to 2.46 million. Both arrivals and departures witnessed strong growth, with arrivals up by 21.2% and departures increasing by 20.1%. This surge in activity reflects a positive trend in tourism and business travel, suggesting a strong post-pandemic recovery for Georgia’s airline industry.
Scheduled flights were the primary driver of this increase, accounting for 93.7% of all passengers during the period. This suggests that airlines are maintaining a steady demand for regular services, supported by increased travel both into and out of Georgia.
Freight Transport: Significant Gains
In addition to the impressive rise in passenger turnover, Georgia’s freight transport sector also saw notable growth. Cargo volumes increased by 69.6 thousand tons, with a turnover of 159.8 million tonne-kilometers. This reflects an expanding role for Georgian airlines in international trade, as the demand for freight services continues to grow.
Inbound freight operations accounted for 88% of the total cargo, indicating that Georgia is becoming an important transit hub for goods traveling into the region. With freight flights up by 89.4%, this is a promising sign of the country’s ability to support global logistics networks and increase its influence in the air cargo market.
Georgia’s Aviation Industry in Focus
The data from Geostat paints a clear picture of Georgia’s recovery in both passenger and freight transport. The growth in both sectors highlights the country’s rising status as an important player in the global aviation industry. With scheduled flights continuing to be the backbone of the passenger traffic surge, Georgia’s airlines are clearly benefiting from increased demand.
Looking forward, the country’s aviation sector is expected to continue its growth trajectory. As tourism and trade recover further, Georgia’s strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it a critical point of connection for air traffic, likely driving more international passengers and cargo through its airports in the coming years.
