The government has extended its contract with AK-Air Georgia for domestic flights until December 31, 2026. According to documents published on the State Procurement Agency’s website, the United Airports of Georgia renewed the agreement originally signed with the company in September 2018, with updated terms increasing the cost of domestic flights for the state by 6.5% due to higher aviation fuel prices.
However, Irina Mgebrishvili, financial and administrative manager of AK-Air Georgia, told BMG that ticket prices and flight routes for passengers will remain unchanged. According to the company, the increase in service costs is linked to a significant rise in aviation fuel prices in both international and Georgian markets, which have increased by around 200%.
The updated agreement includes a fuel price adjustment mechanism. The new tariffs will apply from July 1, 2026, only if the price of one liter of aviation fuel at Natakhtari airfield exceeds GEL 2.40. If the price falls below this threshold, the previous tariff will automatically be restored for state-funded flights.
The total value of the domestic flight contract is $20.2488 million, with payments distributed over several years. Despite the higher costs for the state, passenger fares remain unchanged: Natakhtari–Mestia flights cost GEL 90, Natakhtari–Ambrolauri GEL 50, Natakhtari–Batumi GEL 125, and Mestia–Kutaisi flights GEL 50.
