Putin’s Flight Ban Starts Today

From today, July 8, the recent decision of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation regarding the temporary ban of direct flights from Russia to Georgia comes into force. Putin signed the relevant decree on June 21 amid the rising tension between the two countries and large-scale demonstrations, taking place in the Georgian capital.

The Russian airlines have been deprived the right of offering flights to Georgia in order “to ensure the national security of Russia and protect Russian citizens from criminal and other unlawful activities”, the Government of Russia has reported. Whereas the Russian Ministry of Transport has stated that suspension of flights has been applied to the Georgian companies until Georgia guarantees a sufficient level of air security.

The document also recommends Russian tour operators to avoid offering trips to Georgia to clientele.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya

Image source: theconversation.com