Russia may resume direct air communication with Georgia

Russia may decide to resume direct flights with Georgia and visa liberalization for its citizens if the necessary prerequisites are formed, Denis Gonchar, director of the fourth department of the CIS countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with TASS, according to Report.

"As for the prospects for the resumption of direct flights and visa liberalization for Georgian citizens, if the necessary prerequisites are formed, we do not rule out making a decision on this matter," the diplomat said.

He also noted that Georgia's economic growth forecast for this year has been raised to double digits "largely thanks to impressive revenues from inbound tourism, remittances and trade with Russia."

According to the decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, from July 8, 2019 Russian airlines are temporarily prohibited from flying to Georgia. The decision of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation to suspend flights of Georgian airlines to Russia came into force on the same day.