Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili met with representatives of China Eastern Airlines to discuss the airline’s potential entry into the Georgian aviation market, the Ministry of Economy reported.

According to the ministry, negotiations with China Eastern Airlines are in their final stages. If successful, direct flights between Georgia and China may begin this year.

During their visit, the Chinese delegation reviewed Georgia’s aviation infrastructure, including Tbilisi International Airport. The meeting also highlighted the significance of the Strategic Cooperation Agreement signed between Georgia and China, which has strengthened economic relations and established a visa-free regime, thereby boosting tourism from China.

China Eastern would become the third Chinese airline to operate in Georgia. Currently, the Urumqi–Tbilisi route is served by Air China (3 weekly flights) and China Southern Airlines (5 weekly flights).

In the first quarter of 2025, Georgia recorded 13,875 visits from Chinese nationals—a 40.1% increase compared to the same period last year. China ranks 11th among Georgia’s top source countries for international visits. In 2024, visits by Chinese citizens rose by 83.4% from 2023, reaching 88,583, according to ministry data.