The Russian Federation has lifted the ban on non-stop connections between Georgia and Russia that had been in place since July 8, 2019. At that time, Vladimir Putin imposed a ban in response to popular protests in Tbilisi.

As a result, all non-stop connections between the two countries had to be discontinued. On July 8, 2023, the last passenger flight from Tbilisi to Moscow-SVO was operated. The operating carrier was the state-owned airline Aeroflot. The decree signed by Putin describes the ban as "temporary" but does not give an end date.

The purpose of the measure may also have been to weaken the Georgian economy. Although there are numerous alternatives (e.g. with a changeover in Turkey), tourist demand in particular is likely to have suffered. Russian package holidaymakers are considered important to the Georgian economy, having historically “leaved away” around US$720 million annually.

In the meantime, the Kremlin has lifted the ban without further explanation. As a result, two carriers have announced the resumption of services between Russia and Georgia with just three days' notice. Both airlines offer their services on the Moscow (Vnukovo)-Tbilisi route.

Azimuth Airlines will fly daily on this route from May 19, 2023. Competitor Georgian Airways followed suit a day later. This airline also initially wants to fly daily. Since Russian providers are banned in many countries due to the sanctions, it can be expected that numerous Georgian connections will gradually be established.