British Airways announces direct flights to Georgian capital, Tbilisi

British Airways will launch flights from London Heathrow to Tbilisi, Georgia next year, operating four times per week from 30 March 2025.

Despite recent moves more towards Russia and away from the West, political unrest and aggressive anti-western attitudes, the UK's leading airline has decided to launch flights to Tbilisi, in the Republic of Georgia.   

Located at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, Georgia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, traditional cuisine and picturesque scenery. The country proudly lays claim to being the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old history of winemaking that remains a predominant part of its culture today. The nation is also home to a large number of Russians who have set down roots in the country since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

In recent months, a complete reevaluation of the relationship the U.S. has with Georgia was ordered by Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State. Financial aid and military cooperation from the U.S. has also been frozen and the European Union also followed suit.  Indeed, in Europe, there is talk that more sanctions from the EU could be imposed.  Georgia had also previously wished to join NATO and was, for a while described by the organisation as a 'prospective member state'. Now, that has been dropped from recent NATO declarations.  

Georgia signed a deep strategic partnership agreement in 2023 with China which has seen Tbilisi awarding a Chinese-led consortium the exclusive rights to complete the Anaklia deep-sea port on Georgia’s Black Sea coast. Not only that, according to Carnegie Politika Georgia also embarked towards energy cooperation with Turkey and has developed warmer ties to Iran following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Forthcoming elections in October could further cement diplomatic, financial and emotional ties with Russia, China and Iran or an attempt to resuscitate the relationship with the West. According to the Financial Times Western leaders need to brace for a full-blown Georgian crisis and a plan needs to be ready. 

Tbilisi is located on the banks of the Mtkvari River, surrounded by hills with the Caucasus Mountains to the north. The city attracts visitors looking to soak up the charm of the cobbled streets of its historic city centre, its unique blend of architecture, and diverse cuisine, which has been influenced by its history and surroundings. The canyons and caves near Kutaisi and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites are within easy reach for avid explorers.

BA will operate Airbus A320neo aircraft on the route which features two classes, Club Europe and Euro Traveller, both offering free drinks and snacks. Flight time is estimated to be just over five hours outward and five and a half hours on the return.  Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tbilisi back into our route network, after our last scheduled service in 2013. We expect this to be a popular route with the leisure market, which has seen a strong comeback since 2019, as well as with those looking to enjoy direct flights to visit friends and family. We look forward to improving the connectivity between our two capital cities next year.”

Mariam Kvrivishvili, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, said: “We are proud that flagship carrier British Airways has decided to enter the Georgian market, which is important recognition for our country. This will significantly boost Georgia’s awareness within the UK market and improve connectivity with the USA, which is a strategic partner country of Georgia.”

London Heathrow (LHR) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) All times are local Aircraft: A320neo
Day	Flight number	Departing LHR	Arriving TBS
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun	BA890	21:25	05:30 (+1)
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to London Heathrow (LHR)
Day	Flight number	Departing TBS	Arriving LHR
Wed	BA891	07:10	09:40
Fri, Sun, Mon	BA891	07:30	10:00

Book British Airways flights here.

Is it safe to travel to Georgia?
According to local tourist authorities, Georgia stands out with its safe environment and low criminal activity. As a result of the reforms from 2012-2021Georgia significantly advanced in the international crime rate rankings by country. 
The UK's FCDO Foreign Travel advice for Georgia states that the political situation in Georgia is generally calm. Large-scale rallies are taking place every day in Tbilisi, and frequently in Batumi, Kutaisi and other towns. Crowd numbers tend to increase in the evening and some rallies extend into the night. Those taking place in Tbilisi can begin or end at different locations across the city, halting traffic. The  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says these rallies are not affecting hotels, restaurants, shops or other facilities used by residents or visitors. It also states that whilst homosexuality is legal in Georgia, same-sex relationships are still not widely accepted, and showing affection in public may result in discrimination or harassment. Homophobic harassment and assault take place. Additionally, pride marches in 2019 and 2021 were cancelled because the police did not guarantee security. In 2023, a Pride event was cancelled after a violent protest.
For security reasons, FCDO advises against all travel to the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to Areas immediately next to the administrative boundary lines with South Ossetia.Areas immediately next to the administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia. 
As the UK’s national flag carrier, British Airways serves more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines. The airline proudly offers customers flights to more destinations from London than any other carrier.