We will welcome if Russian officials revise the decision and resume direct flights with Georgia, – Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turnava told journalists after today’s Cabinet meeting.

She explained that the decision of Rosaviation which allows Siberian Airlines (S-7) to implement flights from Moscow to Kutaisi does not mean flight resumption.

“We will welcome if Russian officials revise the decision and resume direct flights with Georgia.

The fact you’ve mentioned, based on Russian media reports, does not mean the resumption of flights so far. This requires a number of formal procedures and we have not received any kind of corresponding notification. Therefore, I cannot confirm that this is a resumption of flights, but I would like to say once again, we would welcome if this decision is made”, – Natia Turnava said.

Rosaviation granted Siberian Airlines (S-7) permission to implement flights from Moscow to Kutaisi. The relevant document is published on the official website of the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia.

On September 26, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he favored the resumption of direct flights to Georgia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has banned Russia’s airlines from flying to Georgia, a day after a Russian lawmaker Sergey Gavrilov’s visit to the country prompted violent clashes between protesters and police in Tbilisi on June 20. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree imposing a temporary ban on flights, including commercial ones, from Russia to Georgia starting July 8.