18 airlines are reportedly ready to resume flights to Georgia

Even before coronavirus pandemic, passenger numbers through Georgia’s airports dipped affected by ban on air connection with Russia, one of its key markets (Tbilisi Airport)

The government of Georgia is in the process of gradually lifting the stringent quarantine measures it introduced under the state of emergency regime following the Covid-19 pandemic and is now taking steps to support the tourism industry – making it the first sector in the region to come back to life after the lockdown. From June 15, the country’s tourist sites are scheduled to re-open for domestic travellers, followed by the July 1 opening of international tourism, thus making it one of the first countries to open its doors to foreign visitors.

With the Georgian government negotiating the resumption of air travel some 18 airlines have already expressed their willingness to re-launch flights to the country, Natia Turava, Georgia’s economy minister, told the national TV broadcasting company on May 11.

“Of the 36 airlines operating in our market, we have reached preliminary agreements regarding re-launching air services with 18 [of them],” she revealed.

Turava has also emphasised that these airlines are ready to start carrying passengers as soon as the authorities approve them and she believes this development to be an indication that Georgia is now fully ready for its 2020 tourist season.

Hotels, restaurants, transport, tourist agencies and tour guides will all start working from mid-June for the Caucasus country’s citizens, thereby allowing two weeks of final adjustments for re-opening the international travel business.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s government has committed to creating ‘virus-free’ space and to taking all measures to ensure compliance with minimum public health standards.