An opposition rally against the restoration of direct flights with Russia took place in Tbilisi near the parliament. The participants said that this issue should be considered in the same context as Moscow's aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of 20% of the territory of Georgia (Abkhazia and South Ossetia). According to the protesters, the actions of the Georgian government on rapprochement with the Russian Federation, including the abolition of the visa regime, against this background are anti-state in nature and this became possible thanks to the collaborationist policy of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Meanwhile, the Georgian authorities have given the Russian company Azimuth permission to operate flights to the country from May 17. Refusing direct flights to Russia would be impractical, according to Levan Davitashvili, head of the Georgian Ministry of Economy. In his opinion, a large part of the population will benefit from direct flights, this is of social importance for ethnic Georgians living in Russia.

Tbilisi expects additional tourism revenue of $300-400 million thanks to direct flights. Aircraft that do not have access to technical information, qualified repairs and maintenance, as well as Russian airlines under sanctions, will not be able to fly to Georgia.