TBILISI, December 22, 2009 (RFE/RL) -- Georgian Airways says it has asked Russian aviation officials to allow it to resume direct flights to Moscow as of January 5, RFE/RL's Georgian Service reports.
Airline spokeswoman Nino Giorgobiani said in Tbilisi today that the company is also seeking approval for charter flights between Tbilisi and Moscow during the holiday season from December 26 to January 15.
Georgian Airways' last flight to Moscow was on August 8, 2008, one day before the five-day military conflict between Russia and Georgia over Georgia's breakaway territory of South Ossetia.
All flights between the two countries ceased when the hostilities began. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated earlier this month that he did not see any obstacles to the resumption of Tbilisi-Moscow flights.
Officials at the Russian Transportation Ministry confirmed to RFE/RL Georgian Airways request to resume the flights.
Meanwhile, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze told RFE/RL that the request by Georgian Airways was made by a private airline company and had nothing to do with the government.
Georgian Airways has nine planes that fly to a total of some 15 different cities domestically and abroad.
Airline spokeswoman Nino Giorgobiani said in Tbilisi today that the company is also seeking approval for charter flights between Tbilisi and Moscow during the holiday season from December 26 to January 15.
Georgian Airways' last flight to Moscow was on August 8, 2008, one day before the five-day military conflict between Russia and Georgia over Georgia's breakaway territory of South Ossetia.
All flights between the two countries ceased when the hostilities began. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stated earlier this month that he did not see any obstacles to the resumption of Tbilisi-Moscow flights.
Officials at the Russian Transportation Ministry confirmed to RFE/RL Georgian Airways request to resume the flights.
Meanwhile, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze told RFE/RL that the request by Georgian Airways was made by a private airline company and had nothing to do with the government.
Georgian Airways has nine planes that fly to a total of some 15 different cities domestically and abroad.