AK-Air Georgia’s contract with the Georgian government to operate domestic flights expires on December 31, 2026. The government wants flights to depart from Tbilisi International Airport, but the airline prefers Natakhtari, citing higher costs, airport congestion and longer flight times.
The airline’s financial director, Irina Mgebrishvili, told TV-program Business Course that departing from Tbilisi could increase flight times by 25–30% across most routes, making tickets more expensive and reducing aircraft operating efficiency. She said Natakhtari is more economically viable, while the Kutaisi–Mestia route would remain unchanged.
AK-Air Georgia has expressed interest in participating in a future tender, provided flights continue to depart from Natakhtari. The company has not yet decided whether to extend its current agreement after receiving a recent proposal from the United Airports of Georgia.
The government extended the airline’s contract, originally signed in 2018, through the end of 2026. Under the renewed agreement, domestic flights became 6.5% more expensive for the state due to rising aviation fuel costs. AK-Air Georgia currently operates the country’s domestic routes to Mestia, Ambrolauri and Batumi.
