Russia is set to scrap visa requirements for Georgian citizens from May 15, as per the latest announcement made by the Russian government. The relaxed border policy will also permit the reinstatement of direct services between Moscow and Tbilisi.
Apart from removing the four-year long ban, Russia will reinstate 90-day visa-free stays for Georgians to consistently facilitate the conditions for communication and contacts between the residents of Russia and Georgia, despite the absence of diplomatic relations," according to the ministry.
Russian airlines will operate about seven weekly services to Tbilisi. Speaking to local media, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili ruled out sanctioned airlines or aircraft operating within the country's airspace.
As per Georgian media, Nordwind Airlines, Aeroflot, and Ural Airlines retain permission to operate in Georgia while Red Wings have applied to operate three direct services from Moscow, Kazan and Samara to Tbilisi.
Georgian Airways is also looking at relaunching direct services once the ban is lifted. Speaking to local media, Tamaz Gaiashvili, CEO, Georgian Airways said: “This destination has always been profitable and will probably remain so in the future. Very many Georgians live in Russia and will be able to tell you about profit margins after we start flying.”