Georgia to allow non-sanctioned Russian airlines to fly to Georgia if asked

18:31, 10.05.2023

Deputy Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili echoed Russia’s recent move to lift the ban on direct flights to Georgia.

She claims the very decision “will significantly facilitate the travel of up to a million Georgian citizens living in the Russian Federation.”

Kvrivishvili vows “the country prioritizes its population, their well-being and everything that serves their economic strengthening.”

She explained that a number of direct flights were carried out from Russia to many countries while stressing that “no sanctioned airlines operate in Georgia.”

“Non-sanctioned airways and aircrafts, if they apply, will be permitted to fly direct flights in Georgia, just as they do in Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates,” she noted.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent decree, from May 15, 2023, Georgian citizens will be able to enter and leave Russia without a visa for up to 90 days on the basis of valid identity documents.

Moscow cut off the direct air links between Russia and Georgia in 2019, following the anti-Russian protests in Tbilisi.

By - Marika Kartozia

Politics

Deputy Economy Minister

Мариам Квривишвили