16 May 2023 15:31

Georgian Airways to launch Tbilisi-Moscow flights starting May 20

TBILISI. May 16 (Interfax) - Georgia's Civil Aviation Agency has issued a permit to Georgian Airways for flights to Russia.

The permit was issued on May 16. In accordance with the airline's application, flights will begin on May 20; flights will be operated seven times a week, the agency said.

As reported, flights on the Moscow-Tbilisi-Moscow route will be launched by the Russian airline Azimuth starting May 10. Flights will operate daily.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 10 canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens by decree starting May 15, 2023, with the exception of persons entering Russia for work. According to the document, "from May 15, 2023, citizens of Georgia may enter the Russian Federation and leave the Russian Federation without visas, on the basis of valid identity documents."

In addition, a decree was issued to lift restrictions on flights to Georgia, which have been in force since July 2019.

The Russian Transport Ministry said that after the restrictions are lifted, Russian airlines will fly between Moscow and Tbilisi 7 times a week using domestic aircraft. Red Wings, whose fleet is comprised mainly of Russian SSJ100s, quickly announced they were ready to start flights to Georgia if they could receive the necessary permits.

The United States and the European Union have warned Tbilisi about the risks of sanctions in the event of the resumption of air traffic with Russia.