Georgia’s Air Transport Growth and Global Trends in 2024

Overview:
The year 2024 marked a significant period of growth and development for Georgia’s air transport sector. According to official statistics, the volume of cargo transported by air increased by 20.3% compared to 2023, reaching 269.6 thousand tons. Freight turnover rose by 43.6% to 611.5 million ton-kilometers, reflecting Georgia’s expanding role in the international logistics network.

Passenger traffic also grew substantially, with Georgian airports serving 7.44 million passengers, a 23.9% increase over the previous year. Arriving passengers reached 3.711 million (up by 24.2%), while departing passengers totaled 3.728 million (up by 23.5%). This growth highlights the country’s increasing potential in both tourism and business.

Global Trends in Air Cargo and Passenger Traffic:

On a global scale, the air freight market experienced significant growth. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo volume increased by 11.3% in 2024, reaching a new all-time high. This growth reflects the global economy’s recovery and the intensification of international trade.

Regional Growth Rates:

• Asia-Pacific: +14.5% (Fastest-growing region)
• Middle East: +13%
• Latin America: +12.6%
• Europe: +11.2%
• Africa: +8.5%
• North America: +6.6%

The most rapid growth occurred in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, driven by expanding trade routes and increased manufacturing activities.

Georgia’s Air Cargo Market:

In Georgian airports, the volume of cargo and mail flow reached 26.2 thousand tons in 2024:

• 86.7% of the volume was incoming cargo and mail.
• 13.3% was outgoing.

The number of cargo flights also grew considerably. Georgian airports recorded 2.2 thousand cargo flights in 2024, which is more than double the figure from 2023. This increase underscores Georgia’s growing capabilities in the air freight industry.

Future Prospects & Challenges:

• Global Air Cargo Market Outlook: According to IATA’s forecast, growth is expected to slow down to 5.8% in 2025, partly due to the potential rise in import tariffs in the United States.
• Technological Advancements: Investments in infrastructure and improved cargo handling efficiency will be essential for Georgia to remain competitive.
• Regional Hub Potential: Georgia’s strategic location between Europe and Asia offers significant potential for establishing itself as a regional logistics and air cargo hub.
• Tourism Growth: The increasing passenger traffic highlights Georgia’s appeal as a tourist destination, requiring improvements in airport facilities and related services.