Batumi Airport

Batumi International Airport, named after the renowned aviation designer Alexander Kartveli, serves as the aerial gateway to sunny Adjara. Located on the Black Sea coast, it welcomes travellers with picturesque views of the runway right at the water's edge. This modern and compact airport is one of the three key airports in Georgia and serves as an important transport hub for tourists arriving at the country's Black Sea resorts. Its unique location allows for quick access not only to the centre of Batumi but also to the Turkish border.

Despite its modest size, Batumi Airport features a well-designed and convenient infrastructure. Following its reconstruction in 2007, it offers passengers all necessary services: from duty-free shops and cafes to free Wi-Fi and car rental desks. One of its main advantages is its exceptional proximity to the city: the journey to the centre takes just 10–15 minutes. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Adjara with countries in Europe and the Middle East. This makes it an ideal starting point for exploring not only Batumi itself but the entire Black Sea coast of Georgia.

• Official website: www.batumiairport.com
• Information desk phone: (+995) 422 23 51 00
• Airport address: Nikoloz Baratashvili Highway, Batumi, Georgia
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info.batumi@tav.aero.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost luggage, please contact your airline representative first. You can also send a request to the airport's lost luggage service via email: lostandfoundbus@tav.aero.
• Social Media: The airport maintains official pages on social networks, such as Facebook, where news and operational information are published.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultation and assistance, you can contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Batumi International Airport Alexander Kartveli (BUS) is located just 7 kilometres south of the centre of Batumi, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can get from the city to the airport and back using several methods suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport is the most economical option. City bus No. 10 runs between the airport and the city centre, passing through the main tourist districts and the boulevard. The trip takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. This is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage looking to save money. You can pay for the fare using a Batumi Card transport card or cash to the driver.

Taxi and Transfers are the most comfortable and fastest method. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take just 15-20 minutes. In Georgia, taxi booking services via mobile apps (such as Bolt or Maxim) are popular and offer rides at affordable prices. You can also use official taxis at the terminal or pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for large groups or families with bulky luggage.

Car Rental is an ideal option for those planning to actively travel around Adjara and other regions of the country. Desks for several rental companies are located directly inside the airport building. Having your own vehicle gives you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own car, parking is available where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Although Batumi Airport handles most flights to the region, some travellers also arrive via neighbouring air hubs, such as Kutaisi International Airport or Rize-Artvin Airport in Turkey, from where you can reach Batumi by bus or transfer.

Batumi International Airport (BUS) Alexander Kartveli is a modern and compact aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigation here is intuitive, and travellers experience no difficulties finding the necessary zones.

The terminal layout is logically divided into two main levels. The ground floor houses the arrivals area. Immediately after disembarking, passengers enter the passport control zone, followed by the baggage claim hall and customs area. The exits to the city, taxi stands, and car rental desks are also located here. The departures area is located on the first floor. To reach it, you need to use the escalator or lift. This level houses the check-in counters, security checkpoints, and passport control, after which passengers enter a comfortable waiting lounge with Duty Free shops and cafes.

Since the airport has only one terminal, the issue of transfers between them is not relevant—all services are located in one building. Check-in and security procedures usually proceed quite quickly, especially compared to large hub airports. Nevertheless, during the peak tourist season (summer), it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 2–2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one.

For convenient navigation, signs in Georgian, English, and Russian are placed throughout the terminal. Airport staff are always ready to help and provide directions. Thanks to its small size and thoughtful layout, it is practically impossible to get lost in Batumi Airport, making the start and end of your journey through Adjara as comfortable as possible.

The history of Batumi International Airport, also known as Alexander Kartveli Airport, is a vivid reflection of the development of the tourism industry in Adjara and all of Georgia. Although an airfield existed on this site since the Soviet era, its modern history began in the 21st century. A key moment was the construction of a completely new terminal, which was grandly opened on May 26, 2007. This project transformed a modest regional airport into a modern international gateway ready to welcome a growing flow of tourists.

Since the opening of the new terminal, the airport has been managed by TAV Airports Holding. This cooperation ensured high service standards and further infrastructure development. Thanks to its strategic location on the Black Sea coast and the growing popularity of Batumi as a resort, the airport's passenger traffic began to increase rapidly. This led to the need for further expansion.

A new stage of modernization was completed in 2021, when the terminal area was doubled—from 4,000 to 8,000 square metres. During the reconstruction, new check-in counters, passport control points, and boarding gates were added. The airport's capacity grew to 1.2 million passengers per year, allowing it to service even more flights and destinations.

Interesting fact: the airport in Batumi is one of the country's three international airports and plays a key role in the transport accessibility of the Adjara region. Its modern design and compactness make it very convenient for travellers—all procedures are fast, and the journey to the city centre takes just 10–15 minutes. Today, Batumi Airport continues to actively develop, becoming an increasingly important transport hub in the Caucasus.

Batumi International Airport (BUS) is a modern and compact transport hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. Despite its size, the terminal is well-designed and equipped to meet the needs of both departing and arriving guests.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops. The airport features several cafes and bars where you can have a full meal, drink coffee, or grab a snack before your flight. For shopping enthusiasts, a Duty Free shop is open, offering a standard range of goods: perfumes, alcohol, tobacco products, as well as souvenirs and famous wines of Georgia.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and power outlets and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. It offers a private atmosphere, comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and the latest press.

Financial and Medical Services. For the convenience of travellers, ATMs and currency exchange points are located within the airport building. In case of feeling unwell or the need for first aid, a medical point operates around the clock within the terminal.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers. For families with small children, a mother and child room equipped with everything necessary is available. The airport also provides assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. To request assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

Hotels and Business Services. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many hotels and apartments are located just a few minutes' drive away in the city itself. Specialized conference rooms are absent, but for business meetings or working in a quiet environment, you can use the services of the VIP lounge.

Batumi Airport (BUS) is modern and compact, so the main dining points are located where it is most convenient for passengers: in the "clean zone" (airside), after passing passport control. In the public zone (landside), before check-in, the selection is very limited, so it is better to count on establishments after passing security.

In the departure zone, several cafes operate where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your flight. Key establishments include T&G Cafe (Taste & Go) and the Beer Port bar. At T&G Cafe, you will find a classic assortment for the traveller: freshly brewed coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches, salads, and various pastries. Beer Port, in turn, offers a good selection of local and imported beer, as well as Georgian wine—a convenient option for those wishing to relax before their flight.

Even at the airport, you can enjoy the tastes of Georgia one last time. Look for national pastries in the cafe menus—you can often find penovani (puff pastry with cheese) or a mini-version of khachapuri. This is an excellent choice for a hearty snack. Don't forget the famous Georgian lemonades with unique flavours, such as tarragon or grape, to prolong the gastronomic pleasure of your trip.

Prices in airport establishments are predictably higher than in the city but remain at an acceptable level. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule. Passengers with special dietary requirements should be prepared for a limited selection. While vegetarians can easily find cheese pastries or vegetable salads, finding specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes may be difficult. In this case, the most reliable solution is to bring a snack with you from the city.

Travelling through Batumi Airport Alexander Kartveli generally proceeds easily and comfortably, especially if you prepare in advance. It is a small but modern airport located very close to the city. Here are a few tips to make your trip even more pleasant.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the compact size, the airport can be crowded during the peak tourist season (from June to September). We recommend arriving 2–2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. The security screening procedure is standard, but it is better to prepare all documents and remove electronic devices from your hand luggage in advance.

Hand Luggage and Customs Control. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. If you are bringing famous Georgian wine or chacha as a gift, please remember that they can be transported only in checked luggage. When departing from Georgia, customs control is quick. If you are exporting items of art or antiquity, ensure you have the appropriate permit. Also, please check the customs regulations of your destination country regarding the import of alcohol and tobacco.

Seat Selection and Saving Money. Want to enjoy a picturesque view of the Black Sea coast during takeoff or landing? Choose a window seat. To save money, use public transport: bus No. 10 will take you to the centre of Batumi for a nominal fee. Prices for food and souvenirs at the airport are higher than in the city, so it is better to buy water and snacks in advance (purchase water after passing security).

Passengers with Transfers and Flight Delays. Batumi Airport is rarely used as a transit hub, so transfers here are most often "indirect"—you will need to collect your luggage and check in again. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative first to learn about your rights to beverages, meals, or hotel accommodation. Thanks to the proximity to the city, during a long delay, you can manage to return to Batumi for a short walk, having clarified all formalities beforehand.