Ukrainian drone attacks and frequent airport closures in Russia have cost Georgian Airways $8 million in 2026, Tamaz Gaiashvili, a member of the airline’s supervisory board, told Radio RBK.
Since September, the airline has reduced its weekly flights to Russia from three to two. Gaiashvili said airport closures have increased fuel costs, forced aircraft diversions and resulted in additional passenger compensation expenses.
The airline also faces rising airport service, navigation and insurance costs, with insurance expenses for Russian routes increasing by around 50%. Georgian Airways plans to maintain its existing routes but has suspended expansion plans until airport operations stabilize.
Georgian Airways resumed flights to Russia in May 2023 and currently serves Moscow, St. Petersburg and Novosibirsk. Gaiashvili said Istanbul remains the airline’s main transit hub for passengers traveling from Russia to Europe.
