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Politics

Russia’s First Flight to Georgia in Four Years Sets Off Protest

  • Putin banned flights in 2019 over anti-Russia protests
  • US, EU have criticized Georgia’s resumption of air links
An Azimuth Airline flight from Moscow arrives in Tbilisi on May 19.

An Azimuth Airline flight from Moscow arrives in Tbilisi on May 19.

Photographer: Vano Shlamov/AFP/Getty Images

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Russia’s first commercial flight in four years landed in Georgia, prompting a protest in Tbilisi by several hundred opponents who voiced concern the resumption could harm efforts to join the European Union and NATO.

An Azimuth Airline Sukhoi Superjet 100 from Moscow touched down at Tbilisi International Airport on Friday after President Vladimir Putin ordered the restoration of direct flights with Georgia. Hundreds gathered outside parliament in the capital in protest, responding to a call by opposition leaders and activists.