Azimut, a Russian airline, has secured approval from Georgian authorities to operate flights into Georgia, with plans to commence services on May 19. The information came from the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and was reported by TASS, signaling a notable shift in air travel between the two countries after a period of restrictions. The announcement confirms not only the green light for entry but also a clear timetable that brings Georgia back into the orbit of direct Moscow-based connectivity, a move watched closely by travelers, tourism businesses, and regional aviation stakeholders alike.
The Ministry of Transport clarified that the Moscow to Tbilisi route will be served seven times per week, providing a steady cadence that offers flexibility for both business and leisure travelers. This frequency aligns with typical European and regional flight patterns for cross-border corridors, ensuring options for weekend getaways or midweek business trips. The plan emphasizes reliability and convenient scheduling, making Georgia more accessible to a broader audience looking to explore its capital and surrounding regions.
In a related development, the ministry noted that these flights from Russia to Georgia will utilize domestically produced aircraft, underscoring a push to bolster domestic aviation capacity and reduce dependence on imported equipment. This choice reflects ongoing efforts within Russia to support the national aerospace industry while meeting international travel demand from its citizens who wish to visit Georgia for culture, history, and commerce. The move also signals a practical approach to fleet allocation and maintenance within current geopolitical and economic contexts.
Meanwhile, on May 15, Azimut Airlines launched a ticketing page for Moscow to Tbilisi, inviting travelers to purchase seats ranging from 17,148 to 62,798 rubles. The extended price band suggests a tiered offering that accommodates different travel preferences, including economy and higher-service options as the route stabilizes. Prospective passengers can expect transparent pricing and straightforward booking through the airline’s online channel, with availability evolving as the schedule gains momentum and demand shifts across peak and off-peak periods.
Earlier in May, the political landscape shifted when President Vladimir Putin announced the lifting of the flight ban on Russian airlines to Georgia, a restriction that had been in place since June 2019. The decision was welcomed by national policymakers and aviation stakeholders as a signal of enhanced mobility and potential economic engagement between the two nations. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili welcomed the abolition of the Russian visa regime and the flight ban, viewing it as a positive development for regional ties, tourism, and business exchanges. The evolving travel framework comes at a time when both sides are recalibrating international travel norms and exploring opportunities for closer collaboration in transport and trade.