Singapore's Changi Airports may become operator of new Tbilisi airport
TBILISI. Sept 16 (Interfax) - Singapore's Changi Airports International will take part in an international tender that the Georgian government will announce to select the operator of a new international airport in the Tbilisi suburb of Vaziani, the Georgian government's press service said.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with the company's general director Eugene Gan and the founder and general director of the investment fund BluFive Capital, Hazem Ben-Gacem.
"During the conversation, the rapid growth of the Georgian aviation and tourism sectors, the entry of new airlines into the market, and the project to develop the new Tbilisi international airport in Vaziani, in connection with which Changi Airports International expressed interest in cooperation, were touched upon. According to the project, the annual capacity of the airport will be up to 20 million passengers," the press service said.
At the meeting, Kobakhidze noted the growth in the number of foreign tourists to Georgia and the country's tourism revenues. Around 80 airlines are currently present on the Georgian aviation market, operating flights to more than 140 international destinations, he said.
The Georgian government adopted a decision in April 2024 to build a new international airport in the Tbilisi suburb of Vaziani with a capacity of 19 million passengers per year. The government also agreed with the investor's proposal to expand Tbilisi Airport in order to ensure uninterrupted service of the increased passenger flow before the commissioning of the complex in Vaziani.
The authorities estimated the cost of building the new airport at $1.3 billion. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing assistance to the government in developing the airport's general plan. After the plan is developed, the government will announce an international competition for expressions of interest, on the basis of which it plans to attract an investor for the project.
Vaziani is a settlement located 25 km from Tbilisi. Until the middle of 2001, a military base of the Russian Defense Ministry was located there.
Singapore's Changi Airport Group manages the Changi and Seletar airports in Singapore. Through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, it invests in foreign airports, advises on airport construction projects and provides assistance in managing airports in other countries.
The strategy of the investment fund BlueFive Capital is focused on the Asia-Pacific region. The fund is developing its hub in Singapore and investing in infrastructure assets and transport hubs, including airports and ports in Asia.
