The Georgian capital Tbilisi is increasingly becoming the focus of international airlines, especially for the UK market. In a week marked by announcements of new flight connections, both British Airways and easyJet confirmed that they will offer new connections between the UK and Tbilisi from the 2025 summer season. This marks a significant development for Georgia, whose tourism industry has grown strongly in recent years, establishing the country as an emerging destination.
Georgia offers visitors an impressive mix of history, culture and nature. As one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world, the country is particularly proud of its 8.000-year-old wine-growing tradition. It also has a rich culinary tradition, diverse architecture and picturesque landscapes that attract both adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. The capital Tbilisi, which lies on the banks of the Mtkvari River and is surrounded by hills and the majestic Caucasus Mountains, is considered the cultural centre of the country. Numerous attractions such as the historic city centre, the thermal baths and the impressive Narikala Fortress attract thousands of tourists every year.
British Airways returns to Georgia
After a long break, British Airways will resume flights from London Heathrow to Tbilisi from March 30, 2025. The airline had discontinued its service to the Georgian capital in 2013, but is now returning with four weekly flights. Neil Chernoff, Chief Planning and Strategy Officer of British Airways, expressed his delight at the return to Tbilisi, highlighting the growing demand for both leisure and visitor traffic. "The route offers ideal opportunities for tourists who want to experience Georgian culture and landscape, as well as for people visiting friends and family in the region," Chernoff stressed.
The flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The departure time from Heathrow is scheduled for 21:25 local time, and the arrival in Tbilisi is at 05:30 the next morning. On the return journey, the flight leaves Tbilisi early in the morning and arrives in London at around 10:00. Modern Airbus A320neo aircraft are used, which offer comfort in both Economy Class (Euro Traveller) and Business Class (Club Europe).
This resumption of the route is seen as a strategically important step to strengthen ties between the UK and Georgia. Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, highlighted the importance of this new air connection and stressed that it will further strengthen Georgia's international position.
EasyJet offers a low-cost alternative
At the same time, the British low-cost airline easyJet has also announced its plans for new flights to Tbilisi. From April 2025, there will be twice-weekly flights from London Luton Airport, providing a cheaper alternative to British Airways flights. The flights are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays, with the outbound flight taking around six hours and the return flight around six hours and 40 minutes.
The launch of this low-cost connection is particularly notable as there has been no direct low-cost flight connection between the UK and Georgia since Wizz Air withdrew in 2020. With easyJet, travellers now have the opportunity to use low-cost connections between the two countries, which is particularly attractive for tourists, business travellers and expats. In addition to Georgia, easyJet also offers connections to destinations in Central Asia and further to China via London Luton, further strengthening the airport's position as a gateway to Eastern European and Asian markets.
Tbilisi as a growing hub in international air traffic
The growing popularity of Tbilisi as a tourist destination reflects Georgia's ongoing expansion in international air travel. Since liberalising its airspace and introducing the Open Skies agreement, the country has seen a significant increase in international tourism. The capital is increasingly a hub for travellers seeking to discover both Georgia's stunning natural beauty and its rich history. Tbilisi also fosters important economic relations, particularly with the US and Europe.
The new flight connections from British Airways and easyJet will not only increase the number of tourists, but also strengthen the connection between Georgia and its key partner countries. This will help to further boost Georgian tourism and establish the country as an attractive destination on the international map.
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