EasyJet Launches Flights to Tbilisi
UK-based easyJet is set to launch its inaugural flights to Georgia, positioning Tbilisi as the most easterly destination in its network. This development follows British Airways’ (BA) announcement to resume services to the country after an absence of over 11 years.
Starting March 31, 2025, easyJet will introduce three new routes to Tbilisi Airport (TBS), offering flights from key locations in Italy, Switzerland, and the UK. The low-cost carrier plans to operate two weekly flights from Geneva Airport using Airbus A320 aircraft. Following this, service from London Luton Airport (LTN) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) will commence on April 1, also with two flights per week.
This entry into the Georgian market coincides with BA’s confirmation of its return to Tbilisi. Beginning March 30, BA will operate four weekly flights between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and TBS, utilizing A320neo aircraft. Neil Chernoff, BA’s chief planning and strategy officer, stated, “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.”
British Airways last operated flights to Tbilisi during the winter 2012-13 season, when it suspended its route, which also connected to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in April 2013.
Current data from OAG Schedules Analyser indicates that there are no nonstop flights between the UK and Georgia at present. Although Wizz Air previously provided services from London Luton to Kutaisi, and Georgian Airways operated flights between Tbilisi and London Gatwick, both routes have been suspended since 2020.
In the Italy-Georgia market, easyJet will face competition from Georgian Airways on the Milan-Tbilisi route, where Georgian Airways currently offers a twice-weekly service to Milan Bergamo Airport. Wizz Air also connects Kutaisi with both Milan MXP and Rome Fiumicino. However, easyJet will be the sole airline providing flights between Switzerland and Georgia.
The expansion of easyJet and BA into the Georgian market comes as capacity between Georgia and Western Europe continues to increase. By September 2024, airlines are expected to offer approximately 309,000 two-way seats, reflecting a 15% year-on-year growth and a remarkable 56% increase compared to 2019 levels. In this growing market, Wizz Air holds a 30.7% share, followed by Pegasus Airlines at 20.7% and Turkish Airlines at 18.7%.
This surge in flight options is expected to enhance travel opportunities for leisure and business travelers alike, making Tbilisi more accessible and appealing as a destination. With easyJet and BA both entering the market, Georgia is set to become a more prominent player in the European aviation landscape, facilitating greater connectivity and tourism in the region.