Georgian Airways may launch flights from Georgia to Russia in the near future

Georgian Airways may launch flights from Tbilisi to Russia “if it finds such an opportunity,” declared the head of the company is Tamaz Gaiashvili.

“Let’s see how events will develop and what the situation will be. The start of flights requires preparation, it doesn’t happen that today the restriction is lifted and flights start tomorrow,” Gaiashvili said in an interview with Business Media Georgia.

According to the head of the company, now the carrier wants to launch a connection with European cities, for example, with Milan, Berlin, etc. At the same time, he stressed that many Georgians live in Russia, so “when we start profitable flights, then I will tell you.”

“It is also gratifying that the Georgian government took this news positively. [о возобновлении авиасообщения]and we have a government that protects national interests in this difficult time,” Gaiashvili added.

Formerly Red Wings requested admission to regular flights from Moscow to Tbilisi with a maximum frequency of 21 times a week. In addition, the company requested access to flights to the country from Samara and Kazan with a frequency of 7 times a week.

Now Aeroflot (14 times a week) and Nordwind (7 times a week) have permanent access to fly to Georgia from Moscow, Ural Airlines, UVT Aero, Smartavia, Nordwind and ” Victory”. Azimuth Airlines also has a temporary permit for flights from Moscow to Tbilisi.

On May 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the resumption of air traffic with Georgia, which was terminated in the summer of 2019. In addition, by a separate decree, on May 15, he canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens.

After that, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called the decision of the Russian authorities a provocation and unacceptable against the backdrop of the continuation of the military operation in Ukraine. She also urged to convene the Security Council and consider the introduction of three-month visas for Russians.

At the same time, the government supported the decision of the Russian authorities. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili declaredthat anything that makes “life, movement and business easier for our citizens is positive and welcome.”

He also assuredthat the authorities will not impose unilateral sanctions against Russia, since “by this step we will create big problems for our population and business.”