Georgian Deputy Economy Minister: direct Tbilisi-Shanghai flight to boost connectivity, tourism, business relations

Tamar Ioseliani, the Georgian Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, on Wednesday described the launch of the first direct flight between Shanghai and Tbilisi as a very important day for Georgia’s aviation sector, which would significantly enhance connectivity, tourism, and business ties with China.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Ioseliani said the direct connection between Tbilisi and Shanghai will improve accessibility between Georgia and China, facilitate closer people-to-people contacts, and support the growth of tourism and commercial relations.

“The first flight from Shanghai will land at Tbilisi International Airport in about an hour. This is a very important day for the aviation sector because the first direct connection between Tbilisi and Shanghai is being established, which will enhance connectivity between our countries, strengthen people-to-people ties, attract more tourist flows, and deepen business relations”, she said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised Shanghai's global importance as a major financial and economic centre, arguing that direct air links with the city represent a significant opportunity for Georgia.

“As you know, Shanghai is one of the world's largest financial and economic centres, and I believe we all agree that establishing direct connectivity with such a centre is of great importance for our country”, Ioseliani noted.

She also noted that passenger traffic from China increased by 76% last year, resulting in tangible gains for Georgia's tourism sector.