MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) - The Georgian airline Georgian Airways resumed air service to Belarus on 11 August, BelTA learned from the press service of Minsk National Airport.
Minsk welcomed a Boeing 737-700 with a water salute. The crew, the airline's management and passengers were treated to a traditional welcome of bread and salt.
Deputy General Director of Minsk National Airport Vasily Kornev and the pilot in command cut the ribbon to welcome the launch of the new regular flight. By tradition, check-in for the flight Minsk-Tbilisi was also held in a festive atmosphere.
The first passenger of the new flight received gifts from the airport. It was Kirill Bliznets from Minsk who went to Georgia for a holiday together with his family. Vasily Kornev gave him a certificate for free service in the VIP lounge of the airport during a year and corporate souvenirs.
On the occasion of the launch of the regular flight program, Vyacheslav Khoroneko, General Director of Minsk National Airport, said: "We welcome every new flight to Belarus. Our two countries have very good relations in tourism. Our citizens like to fly to Georgia. The first flight is not indicative in terms of passenger numbers. It will take time. Quarantine measures also play a role. Vaccination is in full swing, so we hope that COVID-19 restrictions will be eased soon and removed in the future. Georgia is open to Belarusian tourists and is comfortable in every respect. The country attracts by its fascinating nature, air, hospitable people, and great logistics. There are no language and mentality barriers. The same applies to Belarus. The opening of the direct flight will expand opportunities for Belarusian tourists, including thanks to a well-developed network of the Georgian airline.”
Among the first tourists arriving from Tbilisi was Georgian Airways commercial director Robert Oganesyan. He said that the airline plans to stepup cooperation with the Minsk airport. He also invited Belarusian tourists to Tbilisoba, the annual festival celebrating the harvest and the city of Tbilisi. The festival takes place in early October.
The company will fly to Minsk operating a 180-seat Boeing 737-700/800 three times a week: on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flights will leave Tbilisi International Airport at 8:50 and arrive at Minsk National Airport at 10:40. Return flights from Minsk are scheduled at 11:40, with the arrival time in Tbilisi at 15:20.
Georgian Airways performed regular flights from Tbilisi to Minsk in 2007-2011.
