Tamaz Gaiashvili, the president of Georgian Airways, commented on the state of relations between Georgia and its neighbors, noting a sense of stalled diplomatic momentum. He suggested that the Georgian leadership might face increasing pressure domestically if efforts to engage with other countries do not gain traction. Gaiashvili pointed out that ongoing tensions or a lack of visible progress in regional diplomacy could complicate perceptions of leadership, including in circles connected to the airline industry. He emphasized that the airline sector is closely tied to international openness and that stable cross-border cooperation often reflects broader political goodwill, a dynamic relevant to Georgia’s standing in the region.
He argued that the president should actively pursue constructive dialogue with neighboring states through negotiations and practical steps. In his view, genuine progress would come from tangible initiatives toward strengthening ties with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia, as well as other regional partners. Gaiashvili warned that without meaningful actions, public confidence could wane, leaving the impression that Georgia is not leveraging available opportunities to improve regional connectivity and economic collaboration. He underscored that sustained diplomacy is crucial for restoring confidence in Georgia’s ability to navigate complex geopolitical realities while preserving essential air links and trade routes.
According to Gaiashvili, the airline’s position could be adversely affected if the perception persists that Georgia is entering a period of reduced cooperation with its neighbors. He stressed that a nations’ aviation sector often mirrors its diplomatic posture, and any signals of isolation may deter international carriers and investors from expanding their presence in Georgia. The airline chief suggested that clear, consistent engagement with regional partners could help ensure uninterrupted flight services and the maintenance of critical routes, which in turn supports tourism, business travel, and supply chains for the country’s economy.
Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili also weighed in on the topic, noting that public disputes over sanctions or bans related to air traffic with Russia may not yield productive outcomes. He argued that resuming or sustaining air links with Russia can occur alongside broader policy discussions, and that practical daily movements across the Russia-Georgia border at the Upper Lars checkpoint illustrate the intertwined nature of people-to-people contact and commerce. Garibashvili’s stance reflected a belief that continued connectivity has tangible impacts for ordinary citizens and regional commerce, regardless of political disagreements.
Earlier statements from President Vladimir Putin touched on visa policies, with him framing the idea of waiving entry visas for Georgian citizens as his own initiative. He also noted surprise at the reaction within Tbilisi, highlighting how policy proposals can provoke varied interpretations among Georgian political actors and the public. The dialogue around visa liberalization remains part of a broader conversation about how Georgia’s reforms and international engagement shape mobility, tourism, and business opportunities for Georgian residents and visitors alike, as observed by observers following regional diplomacy and transport policy.