In the first quarter of 2026, passenger traffic from China to Georgia increased sharply by 40%, according to the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. Deputy Minister Tamar Ioseliani said the country aims to maintain this growth momentum throughout the year.
She noted that negotiations with China Eastern Airlines have been successfully completed, and a new direct route between Shanghai and Tbilisi will be added. The airline is also expected to expand its operations in Georgia with additional potential destinations under discussion.
Direct flights on the Shanghai–Tbilisi–Shanghai route will begin on July 15, operating three times per week. The ministry says the new connection is strategically important and marks a significant development in bilateral aviation ties.
Ioseliani highlighted Shanghai’s role as a global financial hub, saying the new route will strengthen business relations and boost tourism flows between the two countries. Further expansion talks with China Eastern are already underway.
