Georgia Expands Air Links With Russia Amid Flight Restarts
The Georgian Civil Aviation Authority approved Red Wings to operate routes to Georgia. Starting in June, Red Wings will run services on the Sochi-Tbilisi-Sochi and Moscow-Kutaisi-Moscow itineraries.
Officials noted that the airline is not listed on the European Union blacklist. Charter flights on these routes are planned three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Meanwhile, from Moscow Vnukovo, a flight to Tbilisi departed on May 19. The carrier Azimuth, having received the necessary authorization, reported the flight through the press agency DEA News. Azimut completed the first direct journey to Tbilisi since a four‑year pause, with many travelers aiming to start vacations upon arrival.
On May 20, Georgian Airways resumed services to Russia. The airline faced local pressures connected to its flight preparations to the Russian Federation. A note from the TourDom.ru portal suggested the airline faced accusations of disloyalty to national interests. In an open letter, Georgian Airways staff expressed concern about alleged patriotism being questioned as flights to Russia were planned. The airline warned against provocation, promising a firm response within the bounds of the law.
Ticket Prices for Tbilisi Direct Flights
Market observers anticipate price shifts as competition increases for direct Georgia routes. Recent reports indicated that direct tickets to Tbilisi may not be cheaper than those with layovers in cities such as Yerevan or Minsk, at least in the early June period.
Analysts expect the most affordable round‑trip fares to exceed 37,000 rubles for a direct journey. While direct flights offer convenience over connections, interest in visiting Tbilisi is likely to rise, potentially boosting demand for standalone air travel. However, until market dynamics settle, tour operators may struggle to price packages that attract large groups.
Flights between Russia and Georgia were disrupted in the past due to large public demonstrations following a controversial parliamentary moment in 2019. In May, authorities signaled a thaw by lifting a ban on Russian carriers operating to Georgia. The transport ministry subsequently announced that Russian airlines would run multiple weekly flights between Moscow and Tbilisi. Later in May, Georgian citizens received the opportunity to travel to Russia without a visa for up to 90 days, a move described by Georgia’s president as provocative.