21 Jun 2019 | 07:22 PM UTC
Russia/Georgia: Russia suspends passenger flights to Georgia June 21
Russian President Vladimir Putin suspends passenger flights from Russia to Georgia for an indefinite period June 21; associated flight disruptions expected
Event
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered the suspension of all flights from Russia to Georgia as of Friday, June 21. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two states. Further details are still emerging.
Associated flight disruptions, including delays and cancelations, are possible.
Context
The move by Russian President Vladimir Putin comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries, which do not share formal diplomatic relations. Around 10,000 protesters rallied outside of Georgian parliament during the overnight hours (local time) of June 20-21 to denounce the Russian government and the participation of Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov at the General Inter-Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy in Tbilisi (Georgia). Protests reportedly turned violent after images emerged of Gavrilov sitting in a seat typically reserved for Georgia's Parliamentary Chairperson Irakli Kobakhidze; Kobakhidze is currently on a state visit to Azerbijian. Police subsequently fired tear gas at protesters after several attempted to storm the parliament building.
Advice
Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to contact their airline for additional information.
