Tbilisi (GBC) - China’s leading airline, Air China, is set to commence regular flights between the capitals of Georgia and China.

According to an application submitted to the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, flights between Beijing and Tbilisi will operate via Ürümqi starting on December 2.

The introduction of direct flights to Beijing follows a visit by Georgia’s Prime Minister to the People’s Republic of China. During this visit, key topics, including the strengthening of cooperation in civil aviation, were discussed. As part of the visit, Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Mariam Kvrivishvili, signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the Air Silk Road. This agreement underscores both countries’ commitment to fostering the ‘Air Silk Road,’ intended to establish liberal air transport corridors and enhance bilateral cooperation in civil aviation.

The launch of direct flights between Tbilisi and Beijing is set to have a positive impact on Georgian-Chinese relations. Flights will be operated twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia granted Air China the necessary operating permit today.

Air China entered the Georgian market in December 2024. Currently, the airline operates flights between Tbilisi and Ürümqi twice weekly and has transported 25,035 passengers in the first ten months of this year.