Flydubai launches direct flights to Georgia

Above: (left to right) Ms.Vera Kobalia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, HE Jamal Al Hai, ESVP Communications & International Affairs, Dubai Airports, and Member of the UAE Parliament (FNC) and Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, mark flydubai’s inaugural flight to Tbilisi.

The inaugural flight represents an important milestone in the development of relations between the two nations with flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the UAE and Georgia.

Flydubai Flight FZ713 took off from Dubai Terminal 2 at 2345hrs yesterday, landing at Tbilisi International Airport at 0315hrs this morning, expanding the airline’s network in Central and Eastern Europe to 11 destinations; it also spans Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkmenistan.

HE Jamal Al Hai, ESVP Communications & International Affairs, Dubai Airports, and Member of the UAE Parliament (FNC), said: “On behalf of the UAE Government, I would like to congratulate flydubai and the Georgian authorities on the start of this new direct service, which I am sure will help to build many new relations between our respective nations. The UAE is always open to new opportunities with other emerging nations and from today we can look forward to working closer with Georgia in the years to come.”

Speaking at a press conference in Tbilisi, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “I would like to thank the Georgian authorities for extending a warm welcome to flydubai and for their strong support in establishing operations to Tbilisi. At flydubai, we aim to connect Dubai to emerging destinations and we are very excited about the route to Tbilisi – a capital steeped in history. In addition to promoting travel and tourism between our nations, we hope that these new flights will play a role in forging future collaborations in the various fields of common interest such as banking and real estate.”

Tbilisi is the largest city in Georgia and a popular tourist destination thanks to its picturesque setting on hillsides either side of the Mtkvari River. Operating as the capital of Georgia since the 5th century, the city is home to several historical attractions including the fourth-century Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, sixth-century Anchiskhati Basilica and the sulphar baths of Abanotubani.

Vera Kobalia, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development addressed the audience and talked about the importance of expanding the Georgian Air-Market in different directions: “Georgia is becoming more and more attractive for foreign airlines and the interest from Arab airline to enter is another example. The decision will increase passenger flow between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates and have a positive impact on the trade and tourism cooperation between two countries.”

George Karbelashvili, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, agreed that the new Tbilisi services will help encourage tourism and foster two-way trade links. “Dubai and Tbilisi share many core sectors of industry, which will benefit from the introduction of these direct flights. I see flydubai as a key partner to help us promote our country to tourists and the business community in the UAE and wider Middle East looking to visit Central and Eastern Europe.”

From its historical beginnings, Tbilisi has evolved to a 1.5 million-strong cosmopolitan city nurturing a fast-developing business environment, a vibrant cultural scene and exciting nightlife. International business tourism has also surged in recent years with the influx of new projects in the real estate, hospitality, retail and leisure sectors. It is also a dynamic political, cultural, and economic hub.

Mete Erkal the General Manager of TAV Georgia, which operates Tbilisi International Airport, said: “I am delighted to welcome flydubai’s first flight to Tbilisi. I am confident these flights will help to increase the opportunities for trade and commerce between the two countries. I wish the operation of flydubai between Tbilisi and the UAE great success.”