The “assortment” of countries where tours and direct flights from Russia are available may soon be supplemented by one more. On Wednesday, May 10, Putin allowed flights to Georgia, declaring the 2019 decision to be null and void. In turn, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation withdrew its recommendation to Russians to refrain from traveling to Georgia. As a result, according to the estimates of tour operators, more or less mass-organized tourism can “accept” already at the end of May, and tour operators will even be able to raise charters to Georgia at that time.
The document posted on the official online portal of legal information contains a statement declaring the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated June 21, 2019 No. 287 “On certain measures to ensure the national security of the Russian Federation and the protection of citizens of the Russian Federation from criminal and other illegal actions”, which was precisely what Georgia was “closing”.
There was also a comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which it was reported in more detail that in connection with the cancellation of this decree, direct air traffic with Georgia is being restored. In addition, the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia dated June 21, 2019, to Russian citizens to refrain from traveling to Georgia is canceled. At the same time, security aspects should be taken into account when visiting this country, showing prudence,” the Russian ministry added.
By the way, the visa regime that Russia adopted with Georgia has also been canceled: Georgians will be able to enter the country through the checkpoints open for international transportation without visas for a period of up to 90 days.
“Currently, the carriers are preparing for the resumption of flights. Russian Airlines will make 7 direct flights from Moscow to Tbilisi and back every week. The flights will be carried out on domestically produced aircraft,” said the representative of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.
Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, S7, Red Wings, UTair, and Peremoha flew from the Russian Federation to Georgia before the suspension. Flights to Russia were operated by Georgian Airways and MyWay Airlines.