International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi International Airport | Tbilisi | TBS | UGTB |
| Batumi International Airport | Batumi | BUS | UGSB |
| Kutaisi International Airport (David the Builder) | Kutaisi | KUT | UGKO |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mestia Airport (Queen Tamar Airport) | Mestia | MQS | UGMS |
| Ambrolauri Airport | Ambrolauri | None | UGAM |
Notes:
- Tbilisi International Airport is the primary hub for international travel in Georgia.
- Batumi International Airport serves as an international gateway, particularly for tourists visiting the Black Sea coast.
- Kutaisi International Airport caters to budget airlines and serves as a key international connection.
- Domestic airports like Mestia and Ambrolauri serve regional flights and connect remote areas.
Georgia Airports: A Comprehensive Guide to the State’s Aviation Hubs
Georgia boasts a diverse array of airports that serve the state’s aviation needs. From bustling international hubs to small regional airfields, the Peach State’s air transport network caters to travellers and businesses alike. Georgia has 107 public-use airports, including 98 general aviation airports and nine commercial-aviation airports.
At the heart of Georgia’s airport system is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest passenger airport. This mammoth facility handles millions of passengers each year, serving as a major hub for domestic and international travel. Smaller commercial airports, such as Savannah/Hilton Head International, play crucial roles in connecting Georgia’s cities to the rest of the country.
General aviation airports form the backbone of Georgia’s air transport infrastructure. These smaller airfields support private pilots, flight training, and local businesses. They provide vital links for rural communities and contribute significantly to the state’s economy. From the mountains to the coast, Georgia’s airports keep the state connected and thriving.
Major Airports in Georgia
Georgia boasts several significant airports that serve as vital transportation hubs for the state and beyond. These airports offer a range of services, from domestic to international flights, catering to millions of passengers annually.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, known by its code ATL, is the crown jewel of Georgia’s aviation infrastructure. It’s the busiest passenger airport in the world. Located just south of Atlanta’s city centre, ATL serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
The airport features five runways and two terminals with seven concourses. It handles over 100 million passengers annually, offering flights to hundreds of destinations across the globe.
ATL’s economic impact on the region is substantial. It employs tens of thousands of people directly and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs indirectly.
The airport’s efficiency is notable, with advanced technology helping to manage the high volume of travellers. Its automated people mover system quickly transports passengers between terminals and concourses.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is the second-busiest airport in Georgia. It serves the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina.
SAV offers flights to major US cities and seasonal international destinations. The airport’s modern terminal provides a range of amenities for travellers, including shops and restaurants.
Its location near popular tourist destinations like Savannah’s historic district and Hilton Head Island makes it a crucial gateway for the region’s tourism industry.
SAV handles over 3 million passengers annually. It’s home to several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and United.
Augusta Regional at Bush Field
Augusta Regional at Bush Field (AGS) serves the Augusta metropolitan area. It’s a vital link for the region, especially during major events like the Masters Golf Tournament.
The airport offers daily scheduled passenger service to Atlanta and Charlotte. This connectivity is crucial for both business and leisure travellers in the area.
AGS features a single terminal with modern facilities. Its runway can accommodate large aircraft, allowing for potential expansion of services in the future.
The airport plays a significant role in the local economy, supporting jobs and facilitating business travel to the region.
Columbus Airport
Columbus Airport (CSG) serves the Columbus metropolitan area in western Georgia. It offers daily flights to Atlanta, providing essential connectivity for the region.
The airport’s facilities include a passenger terminal, car hire services, and parking. Its proximity to Fort Benning, a large US Army installation, makes it an important transportation link for military personnel.
CSG handles around 100,000 passengers annually. While smaller than some of Georgia’s other airports, it plays a crucial role in the local economy and transportation network.
Southwest Georgia Regional Airport
Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) in Albany serves the southwestern part of the state. It offers daily flights to Atlanta, connecting the region to the national and international air transport network.
The airport’s facilities include a terminal building, car hire services, and free parking. Its location makes it a vital link for businesses and residents in southwest Georgia.
ABY handles around 40,000 passengers annually. While modest in size, it provides essential air service to a part of the state that would otherwise be underserved.
General and Military Aviation
Georgia has a diverse mix of airports serving general and military aviation needs. These facilities play vital roles in supporting private pilots, business travel, and national defence operations across the state.
Reliever Airports
Georgia’s reliever airports help ease congestion at larger commercial hubs. DeKalb-Peachtree Airport near Atlanta is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country. It handles over 200,000 takeoffs and landings annually.
Fulton County Airport-Brown Field and Cobb County International-McCollum Field also serve as key reliever facilities for the Atlanta area. These airports cater to private and corporate aircraft, flight training, and air taxi services.
Gwinnett County – Briscoe Field northeast of Atlanta provides another important reliever option. It features multiple runways and hosts several aviation businesses.
Georgia’s Military Airfields
Georgia is home to several major military air bases. Robins Air Force Base near Macon is the largest industrial complex in the state. It serves as a maintenance and logistics hub for various aircraft.
Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta focuses on combat training. It hosts fighter and attack aircraft squadrons.
Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah supports helicopter operations for nearby Fort Stewart. The base plays a crucial role in Army aviation and rapid deployment capabilities.
Lawson Army Airfield at Fort Benning primarily handles rotary-wing aircraft. It supports training for Army aviators and infantry units.
General Aviation Facilities
Georgia boasts a network of smaller airports serving general aviation needs. Athens Ben Epps Airport offers a mix of general and limited commercial service. It supports the University of Georgia and local businesses.
Brunswick Golden Isles Airport on the coast provides access to popular tourist destinations. It handles private aircraft and some scheduled flights.
Dalton Municipal Airport in northwest Georgia serves the “Carpet Capital of the World”. It caters to business travellers and local industry needs.
Other notable general aviation facilities include Thomson-McDuffie County Airport, Barrow County Airport, and Toccoa – R G LeTourneau Field. These airports support local communities with services ranging from flight training to agricultural operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia’s airports offer modern facilities and convenient transport links. Travellers can find direct flights from Europe and efficient security procedures.
What are the main international airports in Georgia?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is Georgia’s primary international hub. It’s one of the busiest airports in the world.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport serves the coastal region. It offers flights to major US cities and some international destinations.
How do I get from Atlanta airport to the city centre?
The MARTA train provides a quick connection to downtown Atlanta. It runs directly from the airport to the city centre.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. They offer door-to-door service but may cost more than public transport.
Can you suggest amenities offered at Georgian airports?
Georgia’s airports provide a range of services for travellers. These often include shops, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi.
Many airports have lounges for business travellers. Charging stations for electronic devices are typically available throughout the terminals.
What are the transportation options available from Georgian airports to nearby cities?
Rental cars are available at most Georgian airports. They offer flexibility for travelling to nearby cities.
Shuttle services run from major airports to popular destinations. Public buses connect some regional airports to nearby towns.
Are there direct flights from Europe to Georgia?
Atlanta’s airport offers direct flights to several European cities. These include London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Other Georgian airports mainly serve domestic routes. International travellers often connect through Atlanta for onward flights.
What should I know about security procedures at airports in Georgia?
Security procedures at Georgian airports follow standard US regulations. Passengers should arrive early to allow time for screening.
Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. These should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag for inspection.
