Transit flights to Europe are planned to operate via Tbilisi, according to RTVI reporting, which cited Tamaz Gaiashvili, the founder of Georgian Airways.
Beginning June 15, the new routes are scheduled to include Milan, Paris, Vienna, Larnaca in Cyprus, and Thessaloniki in Greece.
Gaiashvili told reporters that initial demand is expected to be sufficient on these routes and that routing through Tbilisi could offer a quicker and more convenient option compared with alternatives.
He added that passenger movement between Russia and Georgia was likely to gradually rebound over time and expressed hope that the existing communication links would not face further interruptions.
He affirmed that Georgia would continue air services with Russia and stated that nothing would alter this ongoing relationship. The Georgian government welcomed the decision and hoped it would remain uninterrupted, with prayers for stability and continuity.
According to Aviasales, Georgian Airways has begun selling tickets for Moscow-to-Paris and Moscow-to-Vienna itineraries via Tbilisi. Moscow-to-Vienna flights are slated for Thursdays and Sundays, with one-way fares around 50,400 rubles. Moscow-to-Paris services will operate on Fridays and Tuesdays, with one-way tickets priced near 68,000 rubles.
Russia had banned flights to Georgia since 2019, a ban that was lifted on May 15, 2023. The same period saw the abolition of the visa regime for Georgian citizens by presidential decree.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili later announced a boycott of Georgian Airways in response to the decision to resume flights to Moscow. In turn, Tamaz Gaiashvili stated that the airline would no longer accommodate the president aboard its aircraft. The carrier reportedly took steps to exclude the president from future travel on its planes.
Gaiashvili observed that demand for Georgia-bound tickets had risen modestly, noting that the market would need time for effective promotion so potential travelers could discover the new options. He projected that passenger volumes would climb as awareness grew and travelers opted for direct flights rather than transits.
From the entrepreneur’s perspective, traffic was expected to gain traction as more travelers chose direct routes to Tbilisi over layovers. He summarized that the shift toward direct services was gradually taking hold across the market.
The U.S. State Department expressed concern about resuming direct flights between Russia and Georgia, signaling that Georgian carriers could face sanctions under certain circumstances. Officials argued that now may not be an appropriate moment to engage with Russia, noting that many Western countries restrict Russian aircraft from entering their airspace.
Zurabishvili reiterated her stance of boycotting Georgian Airways in response to the airline’s resumed Moscow service, arguing that the carrier is acting in a manner detrimental to the state. She described the airline leadership as optimistic about new revenue opportunities, which she viewed as incongruent with the broader national interests.
Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili commented on calls for the president and critics to halt air traffic with Russia, suggesting that opponents sought to harm the economy and trade prospects. He defended the government’s choices as aligned with what is best for the nation, including the decision to resume flights with the Russian Federation.