Overview of Tbilisi International Airport
Tbilisi International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Georgia, located approximately 17 kilometers southeast of the capital city of Tbilisi. The airport serves as the main hub for Georgian Airways and handles over 4 million passengers annually.
The terminal building has modern facilities and offers a variety of services including duty-free shopping, restaurants and cafes, currency exchange, and car rental services. There are also several lounges available for passengers who require additional comfort and amenities.
The airport has two runways and can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including large commercial jets. It also has a cargo terminal that handles both domestic and international cargo flights.
Tbilisi International Airport has undergone several renovations and upgrades in recent years, including the expansion of the passenger terminal and runway improvements. It is currently undergoing further development with plans to build a new terminal and expand the airport’s capacity.
Overall, Tbilisi International Airport provides a comfortable and efficient arrival or departure experience to the travelers visiting Georgia. Its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location make it an important transportation hub in the region.
Terminals at Tbilisi International Airport
Tbilisi International Airport serves as the main gateway to the country of Georgia. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are located next to each other.
Terminal 1 is the older of the two and primarily handles domestic flights within Georgia. It has a capacity of approximately 300,000 passengers per year and features basic amenities such as a cafe, currency exchange, and a small duty-free shop.
Terminal 2 is the newer and larger terminal, which accommodates both international and domestic flights. It opened in 2007 and has a capacity of 3.5 million passengers per year. The terminal features a range of facilities including duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, lounges, and prayer rooms.
Passengers traveling through Terminal 2 can also enjoy various services such as free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a business center. The immigration and customs processes in Terminal 2 are relatively fast and efficient, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.
The airport also offers transit and transfer services for passengers who need to connect to onward flights. The staff members are friendly and helpful, and they speak both Georgian and English.
Overall, the terminals at Tbilisi International Airport provide a comfortable and convenient experience for travelers. Whether you are coming to Georgia for business or leisure, the airport offers all the necessary facilities to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
Airlines and Destinations
Aeroflot operates flights to Moscow, Russia.
Air Astana operates flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Air Baltic operates flights to Riga, Latvia.
Air France operates flights to Paris, France.
AtlasGlobal operates flights to Istanbul, Turkey.
Belavia operates flights to Minsk, Belarus.
Buta Airways operates flights to Baku, Azerbaijan.
Czech Airlines operates flights to Prague, Czech Republic.
Flydubai operates flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Georgian Airways operates both domestic and international flights to destinations like Batumi, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Kiev, and Yerevan.
Lufthansa operates flights to Frankfurt, Germany.
Qatar Airways operates flights to Doha, Qatar.
Turkish Airlines operates flights to Istanbul, Turkey.
Ukraine International Airlines operates flights to Kiev, Ukraine.
Wizz Air operates flights to Budapest, Hungary.
Ryanair operates flights to Milan, Italy.
Seasonal changes include Georgian Airways adding more flights to their summer schedule for popular tourist destinations in Europe, such as Barcelona and Amsterdam.
Transportation Options at Tbilisi International Airport
Tbilisi International Airport is the main airport serving the capital city of Georgia. The airport offers various transportation options to help passengers get to their desired destination.
One of the most popular ways to get from the airport to the city is through a shuttle service. The shuttle service can be pre-booked before arrival or arranged upon arrival at the airport. This service is ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free transfer and don’t want to deal with public transportation.
Another transportation option available at Tbilisi International Airport is car rental. Several car rental companies operate at the airport, providing travelers with comfortable and flexible transportation options. It’s best to book car rentals in advance to ensure availability and get the best rates.
For those looking for a more economical option, shuttle buses are also available at the airport. These buses operate on a fixed schedule and provide transportation to different locations within the city. The shuttle bus ticket can be purchased at the airport, and they usually depart every 30 minutes.
If you’re heading to other cities within Georgia, train lines are also accessible at the airport. The train station is located just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal, making it a convenient option for those traveling to other parts of the country.
Additionally, taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. However, passengers are advised to agree on the fare beforehand to avoid overcharging.
In conclusion, Tbilisi International Airport offers a range of transportation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer a hassle-free transfer, a flexible rental car, or an economical shuttle service, there’s an option available at the airport to suit your needs.
Parking at Tbilisi International Airport
Tbilisi International Airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options for travelers. The airport has a dedicated parking area that is located just a few steps away from the terminal building, making it a convenient option for passengers who want to park their cars.
The short-term parking lot is suitable for those who need to park their vehicles for a few hours. The rates for this parking option vary depending on the duration of the stay. For example, if you park for one hour, the rate is 4 GEL, and it increases by 2 GEL for every additional hour.
The long-term parking lot is ideal for those who are traveling for an extended period. This parking option is located a little farther away from the terminal building, but shuttle buses are available to transport passengers to and from the airport. The rates for long-term parking start at 9 GEL per day, and the longer you stay, the cheaper the rate becomes.
Overall, Tbilisi International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options for travelers. Whether you need to park for a few hours or a few days, you can find a suitable option that will suit your needs and budget.
Check-In Procedures
The check-in process at Tbilisi International Airport is user-friendly and offers multiple options for travelers. Passengers can opt for traditional check-in, online check-in, or self-service kiosks.
Traditional check-in involves arriving at the airport and approaching the airline counter. This method is preferred by passengers who prefer to interact with airport staff and are carrying extra baggage or have special requests.
Online check-in is an efficient way to save time and avoid long queues. Passengers can check in up to 24 hours before their flight, select their preferred seats, and print their boarding pass. This method is highly recommended for travelers with carry-on luggage and no special requirements.
Self-service kiosks are available at the airport for passengers who want the convenience of a faster and more flexible check-in experience. These kiosks enable travelers to print their boarding pass, select seats, and check their baggage.
For all three options, passengers need to present their passport or ID, confirmation number, and flight details. After completing the check-in process, passengers will be issued a boarding pass and can proceed to the security checkpoint.
Overall, Tbilisi International Airport’s check-in procedure caters to the needs of travelers with different preferences and offers a hassle-free start to their journey.
Security Procedures and Tips for a Smooth Check at Tbilisi International Airport
Security is a top priority at Tbilisi International Airport.
Passengers are required to go through security screening before boarding their flight.
To ensure a smooth security check, here are some tips:
1. Arrive early to allow enough time for the screening process.
2. Wear easy-to-remove shoes and minimal jewelry to expedite the scanning process.
3. Have your bags organized and ready for inspection.
4. Follow all instructions given by security personnel.
Remember that these measures are in place for your safety and the safety of all passengers. Cooperation and patience during the security screening process can make the experience stress-free for everyone involved.
Customs and Immigration
For arriving passengers at Tbilisi International Airport, the first step is to fill out a migration card. Next, you will go through passport control where your passport will be stamped and checked. After this, you will collect your baggage and proceed to customs.
Here, you may be asked to declare any goods or items you are bringing into the country. For departing passengers, the process is similar. First, you will go through security where your luggage will be screened. Then, you will go through passport control where your departure will be recorded. Finally, you will proceed to the gate for your flight.
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafes
- Duty-free shops
- Retail stores
- Lounge areas
- Smoking lounges
- Children’s play areas
- ATMs and currency exchange booths
- Free Wi-Fi
- Baggage storage and wrapping services
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Medical center and pharmacy
- Prayer rooms
Tbilisi International Airport offers a wide range of amenities for travelers to enjoy. There are several restaurants and cafes available, along with duty-free shops and retail stores for those looking to do some shopping. Lounge areas and smoking lounges provide a comfortable space to relax before or after a flight, while children’s play areas keep little ones entertained. ATMs and currency exchange booths are available for convenience, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport. Baggage storage and wrapping services are also offered, along with meeting and conference rooms for business travelers. In case of any medical needs, there is a medical center and pharmacy on site. Lastly, prayer rooms are available for those in need of a quiet space for prayer or reflection.
Accessibility Services
Tbilisi International Airport provides facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
These services include accessible parking spaces, elevators, ramps, accessible toilets, and wheelchair rental services. Assistance is also provided to passengers who need help boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.
Passengers with disabilities or mobility issues are advised to contact their airline in advance to request special assistance and to inform the airport of their needs. The airport staff is trained to provide personalized assistance and ensure that all passengers receive a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
Connecting Flights at Tbilisi International Airport
When catching a connecting flight at Tbilisi International Airport, it’s important to know that you’ll need to go through security again. Make sure to give yourself enough time in between flights.
Once you arrive at the airport, follow the signs for “Connecting Flights” and head to the transfer desk to receive your boarding pass for the next flight. Keep in mind that some airlines may require you to pick up your luggage and re-check it.
If you have a long layover, take advantage of the airport’s amenities such as lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops. But be sure to keep an eye on the time and give yourself plenty of time to get back to your gate.
Finally, always check your flight status and gate information before heading to your next flight. You can do this at the airport’s information screens or through your airline’s mobile app. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to catch your connecting flight at Tbilisi International Airport with ease.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area to retrieve their luggage. Baggage carousels are clearly marked with flight information to help passengers identify which one is theirs.
If a passenger’s luggage is missing or damaged, they should contact their airline’s representatives at the airport to report it immediately. The representative will provide them with a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) to complete.
Passengers must provide a detailed description of their missing baggage or the damage to their luggage, including identifying features like tags, labels, and distinguishing marks. They should also provide their contact information and a copy of their travel itinerary.
The airline will use the information provided on the PIR to track down the missing luggage or find a solution for the damaged items. In most cases, airlines will compensate passengers for any damages or losses incurred during transit.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency, Tbilisi International Airport has a 24-hour medical center equipped with first aid and emergency facilities. The medical center is located on the ground floor of the terminal building near the entrance/exit door.
The airport also has trained medical personnel who can provide assistance and respond to any medical emergencies. In addition, there are defibrillators located throughout the airport for use in case of cardiac arrest.
For serious medical emergencies, the airport has arrangements with nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention and transportation of patients. Rest assured, Tbilisi International Airport takes the safety and well-being of its passengers very seriously and has adequate facilities and procedures in place to handle any medical situation.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Tbilisi International Airport. The proximity of these hotels to the airport makes them a convenient choice for travelers.
Some of the hotels include the Tbilisi Airport Hotel, which is located just a 3-minute walk from the airport. Another option is the Ibis Styles Tbilisi Center, located approximately 16 km away from the airport.
Other options include the Best Western Tbilisi City Center Hotel, which is situated about 18 km away from the airport. The Moxy Tbilisi, located around 19 km away from the airport, is another excellent choice. Additionally, the Courtyard by Marriott Tbilisi is located approximately 20 km away from the airport.
All of these hotel accommodations provide the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for travelers.
Useful Tips for Navigating and Enjoying Tbilisi International Airport
As an AI language model, I have never been to the airport, so I cannot provide insider tips. However, based on research, here are some useful tips:
1. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
2. Make sure you have all necessary travel documents.
3. Use the online check-in service to save time.
4. Take advantage of the duty-free shops for souvenirs and last-minute purchases.
5. Enjoy a meal or snack at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
6. Use the free Wi-Fi to stay connected.
7. If you need assistance, seek out the airport staff who are known for being friendly and helpful.
8. Book a comfortable lounge to relax in before your flight.
9. Consider taking a tour of Tbilisi if you have a long layover.
10. Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains from the airport.
Contact Information
– Airport Information Desk: +995 32 310 265
– Lost and Found: +995 32 310 399
– Baggage Storage: +995 32 310 627
– Customs: +995 32 310 820
– Police: +995 032 247 1414
– Medical Center: +995 32 310 306
Airports near Tbilisi International Airport
- David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport: located 231 km west of Tbilisi International Airport, can be reached by bus or taxi.
- Ganja International Airport: located across the border in Azerbaijan, approximately 220 km northeast of Tbilisi International Airport, can be reached by car or bus.