Russian aviation authorities recently announced that several carriers have submitted applications to Georgia’s Civil Aviation Authority for permission to operate routes into Georgia. The official statement from the Georgian agency confirms the submissions but does not specify which airlines are involved. This development comes at a time of shifting travel policies in the region and is being watched by regional travelers and industry stakeholders alike.
Meanwhile, a breakthrough in visa policy is taking effect for Georgian citizens. Starting May 15, Georgians can enter Russia without a visa, following a decree issued by the Russian president that effectively ended the visa requirement that had been in place since 2000. This move is part of broader efforts to ease cross-border movement and facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two neighboring countries.
Alongside the visa relaxation, the Russian leadership has also removed the ban on flights from Russian airlines to Georgia that had been in place since June 2019. The policy shift signals a notable change in air travel dynamics between Georgia and Russia, potentially increasing flight options and competition for routes previously restricted by government measures.
In Georgia, former prime minister Irakli Garibashvili acknowledged the positive impact of cancelling the Russian visa regime and lifting the flight ban. The recognition emphasizes potential benefits for Georgian citizens and the wider economy, including tourism, trade, and people-to-people contacts.
However, the situation remains subject to international considerations. The U.S. State Department has stated that companies operating in Georgia may face sanctions if they service Russian aircraft, underscoring that sanctions regimes and compliance requirements continue to shape airline operations and cross-border transactions. Industry observers note that airlines must carefully monitor evolving regulatory guidance from multiple jurisdictions, balancing opportunities with compliance obligations.
Overall, the sequence of policy changes highlights a period of recalibration in regional travel and diplomacy. Stakeholders in Georgia, Russia, and neighboring markets are assessing how restored flight connections and visa reforms will affect air transport capacity, tourism demand, and bilateral relations. Travelers should stay informed about any further regulatory updates, including potential adjustments to entry rules, flight permissions, and sanctions-related developments that could influence schedules and carrier choices.