Georgia engages in talks with China Southern Airlines on launching direct flights between Beijing and Tbilisi
During their visit to the People’s Republic of China, Deputy Ministers of Economy and Sustainable Development, Genadi Arveladze and Irakli Nadareishvili, held a meeting with Tan Guang, Deputy Director of the Commercial Committee of China Southern Airlines.
According to the Ministry of Economy, the discussion centred on the importance of further strengthening cooperation in the civil aviation sector between Georgia and China.
“The Georgian delegation informed the airline representatives about the rapid growth of Georgia’s civil aviation and tourism sectors. Genadi Arveladze and Irakli Nadareishvili specifically highlighted the increase in Chinese visitors to Georgia; in 2025, the country welcomed 127,895 Chinese tourists, representing a 44% rise compared to the previous year.
The meeting also covered ongoing negotiations with China Southern Airlines regarding the introduction of direct flights from Tbilisi to Beijing and other Chinese cities.
Additionally, the Deputy Ministers and the Deputy Director of China Southern’s Commercial Committee discussed the potential development of a regional cargo hub along the Middle Corridor route. It was noted that direct access to Black Sea ports could be established for China Southern Cargo’s operations from Tbilisi, via railway corridors and regional road networks. This would considerably enhance the scale and efficiency of cargo transportation.
China Southern Airlines is among the largest air carriers both in China and internationally. The airline operates flights to 121 destinations across 65 countries, including Georgia,” the Ministry of Economy stated in a press release.
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