Russian Red Wings makes first Moscow-Kutaisi flight

Russian Red Wings on Tuesday made the first flight between Moscow and Georgia’s western city of Kutaisi, after receiving the permission to conduct direct flights following the Kremlin’s move in May to lift travel and visa restrictions with Georgia on the backdrop of its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. 

The flights by the airline had been delayed several times since then until now. On Monday, due to the problems created at Kutaisi airport, the flight was not performed. The airport could not receive planes due to bad weather – the ceiling in one of its halls collapsed, and some halls were flooded.

On May 10 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees on the restoration of the canceled direct air traffic with Georgia from the summer of 2019 and the cancellation of the visa regime in force since 2000. The Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia in response allowed Russian and Georgian airlines to start direct flights between the two countries. 

A number of Western countries, including the US, have expressed their concerns over the resumption of direct flights. All 27 countries of the European Union have also released a protest note. 

The government of Georgia claimed direct flights would benefit “up to a million compatriots” living in Russia, as well as the Georgian economy, and that airlines sanctioned by the West and their planes would not be allowed into the country.