Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, Queen Tamar Mestia Airport is a vital gateway to one of Georgia’s most remote and scenic regions. With visitor numbers rising in recent years, authorities prioritized a modernization of the airport—most notably its terminal building—to better serve locals and travelers alike.
© Courtesy of lsg solutions
The Georgian government ran a design competition to reimagine the terminal, and a local team from LSG Solutions won among 18 entrants. Led by Nino Grigolashvili and Teona Gogoladze, the team proposed a single-story, modern terminal that improves passenger flow and adds new amenities. The plan unifies departure and arrival areas in an open layout, creating a more efficient and welcoming environment.
The design pays tribute to Queen Tamar, the celebrated medieval monarch who presided over Georgia’s Golden Age in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. The proposal incorporates a patterned architectural language inspired by the royal garments associated with Queen Tamar, echoing national heritage while delivering contemporary functionality.
© Courtesy of lsg solutions
“It is very symbolic that an airport named after Queen Tamar, a female monarch, is being designed by women,” said design team leader Nino Grigolashvili. The architects drew direct inspiration from historical textiles and ornamental motifs to develop a building that links past and present.
The terminal covers approximately 21,500 square feet and is being constructed primarily from timber. Its open-plan interior merges arrivals and departures for convenience, with a central cluster of skylights fitted with heated glass to maximize natural daylight while maintaining comfort in cold weather. The timber construction and generous daylighting aim to create a warm, human-centered space that complements the surrounding landscape.
© Courtesy of lsg solutions
Beyond aesthetics, the redesign focuses on improved functionality: clearer circulation, more comfortable waiting areas and better facilities for both residents and visitors heading to nearby ski resorts, hiking trails and cultural sites. The upgrade is intended to lift the overall travel experience while respecting the region’s identity and natural setting.
Domestic air connections to Queen Tamar Airport operate from Kutaisi (KUT) and Natakhtari (UGSA), with Tbilisi serving as the main access point for ground transfers to those airports. Flights into Mestia provide spectacular views of the Caucasus and are often preferable to the long nine-hour drive from Tbilisi. A private carrier, Vanilla Sky Georgia, runs services between Mestia and the larger Kutaisi and Natakhtari airports, coordinating with ground transport from the capital.
Mestia Airport sits at about 4,777 feet above sea level in the valley of the Mestiachala River, surrounded by the rugged peaks of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti in northwestern Georgia. The airport is roughly 1.6 miles from the small town of Mestia, where guesthouses, boutique hotels and riverside restaurants welcome visitors. Nearby ski areas such as Hatsvali and Tetnuldi are reachable within 35–45 minutes, making the airport a convenient hub for winter sports and mountain adventures.
© Courtesy of lsg solutions
LSG Solutions describes the new terminal as more than a functional hub: it is intended as a conversation between tradition and innovation. By embedding elements of Queen Tamar’s symbolism into the architecture, the project aims to welcome passengers into a space that reflects Georgia’s cultural continuity while meeting contemporary needs.