EasyJet, British Airways Add Tbilisi As Georgia-Western Europe Capacity Grows

UK-based easyJet has scheduled the launch its first flights to Georgia, making Tbilisi the most easterly destination in the airline’s network. The move comes as British Airways (BA) has also announced its intention to return to the country after more than 11 years away.

EasyJet plans to launch three routes to Tbilisi Airport (TBS) next summer, offering flights from points in Italy, Switzerland and the UK. Starting March 31, 2025, the LCC will operate two flights per week from Geneva Airport using Airbus A320 aircraft. This will be followed by service from London Luton Airport (LTN) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), both beginning on April 1 and also running twice a week.

The carrier’s planned entry into the Georgian market was revealed as BA confirmed its return to Tbilisi. Starting March 30, BA will resume service between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and TBS, operating four times per week with A320neo aircraft.

“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,” says Neil Chernoff, BA chief planning and strategy officer.

The Oneworld alliance member last flew to the Georgian capital during the winter 2012-13 season but suspended the route—which connected LHR and TBS and continued onto Almaty, Kazakhstan—in April 2013.

According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, there are currently no nonstop flights between the UK and Georgia. Wizz Air previously operated regular services between London Luton Airport and Kutaisi, while Georgian Airways offered flights between Tbilisi and London Gatwick. However, both routes have been suspended since 2020.

In the Italy-Georgia market, easyJet will compete with Georgian Airways on the Milan-Tbilisi route, where Georgian Airways offers a 2X-weekly service to Milan Bergamo Airport. Additionally, Wizz connects Kutaisi with both MXP and Rome Fiumicino. However, easyJet will be the sole carrier operating flights between Switzerland and Georgia.

The network expansion planned by both easyJet and BA comes as capacity between Georgia and Western Europe continues to grow. In September 2024, carriers are offering about 309,000 two-way seats, marking a year-on-year rise of 15% and up by 56% on 2019 levels. Wizz has a 30.7% share of the market this month, followed by Pegasus Airlines on 20.7% and Turkish Airlines on 18.7%.