On Friday, May 19, a direct flight operated by the Russian carrier Azimuth marked its return journey from Moscow to Tbilisi after a four-year pause. The trip proceeded without incident, with local observers noting a smooth arrival in the Georgian capital. DEA News reports the event as a straightforward operational restart.
Officials noted that the aircraft carried 86 passengers, leaving 14 seats unoccupied. The airline provided champagne to travelers and distributed custom keychains as a small welcome gesture.
We are not satisfied with direct flights to Moscow
Protest organizers from the opposition party Droa stood alongside convoys near the international airport to express their discontent with the reestablished Moscow service. They arrived ahead of the midweek reprieve, signaling opposition concerns over renewed Russian air links.
The airport was temporarily cordoned by security personnel, and entrances were restricted as police managed the scene. When questioned about the closure of the waiting area, officials offered no particular reason for the measure, according to local observers.
About 200 demonstrators gathered inside the terminal with posters, and some halted traffic as they sought to welcome travelers. Police conducted detentions and requested space to be cleared. The situation drew headlines as reporters described tense moments at the airport.
Witnesses described rough handling of at least one protester, with officers restraining the individual. Demonstrators shouted phrases calling attention to the observers at the arrival hall, and some protesters briefly breached the cordon before security forces reestablished containment.
Journalists noted that Russian tourists appeared reluctant to speak with reporters. Opposition media asked travelers provocative questions about their views on Russia, while patrol units worked to restore order and maintain a calm flow of passengers. RIA Novosti reported the effort as part of ongoing security management at the site.
Resumption of direct flights
In a broader regional shift, discussions and decisions around movement between Moscow and Tbilisi gained momentum after top political figures signaled changes to visa policies and travel restrictions. On May 10, a high-level decision was announced that facilitated easier travel for certain flows, paired with the temporary lifting of a ban on direct Russian airline operations into Georgia. By May 16, Azimuth had secured permission to operate flights between the two capitals.
Georgian authorities later faced public commentary from the presidency regarding inbound flights from Moscow. They described direct services as occurring despite some domestic reservations, framing the issue as a matter of national sentiment in addition to air transport policy.
Additionally, a Georgian Civil Aviation Authority advisory allowed Red Wings to operate routes linking Sochi, Tbilisi, and Moscow, with a schedule of three weekly rotations. Authorities noted that Red Wings was not on any external sanctions blacklist at that time.
Previously, Azimuth and Georgian Airways had received permissions to operate international flights. Instances involving personnel from the latter raised discussions about national interests within public discourse.
Regional observers noted comments from European Union spokespersons about Georgia’s approach to sanctions and air traffic with Russia, outlining the broader policy debates around alignment with EU foreign policy decisions. The International Civil Aviation Organization engaged with Georgian authorities to discuss safety considerations relating to Russian aviation activity and aircraft movements.