About Georgian Airways
Georgian Airways, formerly known as Airzena, is the privately owned flag carrier of Georgia. Established in September 1993, the airline has grown from a small charter operator into the nation's primary scheduled carrier, connecting Georgia with destinations across Europe, the Middle East and beyond. With its IATA code A9 and ICAO code TGZ, Georgian Airways operates from its main hub at Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport (TBS). The airline's headquarters are located at 12 Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Georgian Airways became Georgia's official flag carrier in 1999 and underwent a rebranding from Airzena to Georgian Airways in August 2004. The airline offers both Economy and Business Class services on its scheduled routes, providing passengers with a comfortable travel experience that reflects Georgian hospitality. For travellers from Malaysia looking to explore the Caucasus region, Georgian Airways provides a gateway to one of the most unique and culturally rich destinations in the world, known for its ancient history, stunning mountain landscapes and renowned cuisine.
Airline Overview and History
Georgian Airways has a rich history spanning over three decades of service. Below are the key milestones in the airline's journey from a small charter carrier to Georgia's flag airline:
- September 1993: Airzena was established in Tbilisi and began operating charter flights to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, China, Egypt, India and Syria, along with a regularly scheduled service to Vienna, Austria.
- 1999: Airzena was designated as the official flag carrier of Georgia, marking an important milestone in the development of the country's aviation industry and international connectivity.
- August 2004: The airline officially rebranded from Airzena to Georgian Airways, adopting a new corporate identity and livery to better represent its role as a national carrier on the international stage.
- 2010s: Georgian Airways expanded its route network to include more European destinations, adding services to cities such as Amsterdam, Athens, Vienna and Tel Aviv from its Tbilisi hub.
- July 2019: Following political tensions between Russia and Georgia, Russia imposed a ban on all direct flights between the two countries starting 8 July 2019, significantly impacting Georgian Airways' operations and revenue from one of its most important markets.
- 2020-2021: The global COVID-19 pandemic caused severe additional financial strain on the airline, compounding the losses already sustained from the Russian flight ban and leading to major restructuring efforts.
- December 2021: Georgian Airways filed for bankruptcy as part of a restructuring procedure, with debts reported at approximately 125 million Georgian Lari.
- May 2023: Russia revoked the flight ban on Georgian carriers, and Georgian Airways promptly resumed flights to Moscow from 20 May 2023, reopening one of its historically busiest and most profitable routes.
Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport serves as the airline's primary hub and is located approximately 17 kilometres southeast of Tbilisi city centre. The airport has undergone significant modernisation in recent years and provides facilities for both domestic and international travellers, making it a convenient and well-equipped base for Georgian Airways' expanding network of scheduled services across Europe and the Middle East.
Fleet and Aircraft
Georgian Airways operates a mixed fleet of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft tailored to the demands of its diverse route network. The airline's current fleet includes the following aircraft types:
- Boeing 737-700: A reliable narrow-body aircraft configured with 12 Business Class seats and 121 Economy Class seats, providing a total capacity of 133 passengers. This aircraft is primarily deployed on medium-haul European routes where demand is moderate.
- Boeing 737-800: A larger narrow-body variant with a seating capacity of up to 172 passengers, used on higher-demand routes across Europe and the Middle East where more capacity is required to meet passenger volumes.
- Boeing 767-300: The airline's wide-body aircraft, configured with 2 First Class seats, 16 Business Class seats and 227 Economy Class seats for a total capacity of 245 passengers. This aircraft is deployed on longer-haul routes where higher passenger capacity and greater range are needed.
- Bombardier CRJ-200: A regional jet seating 4 Business Class and 42 Economy Class passengers for a total of 46 seats. This smaller aircraft is ideal for shorter regional routes and lower-demand destinations where a full-size narrow-body would be operationally inefficient.
- Bombardier Global 6000: A VIP-category aircraft with 14 premium seats, available exclusively for private charter flights and special VIP services offered by the airline.
Georgian Airways maintains strict safety and maintenance standards across its entire fleet, ensuring all aircraft meet international aviation safety requirements and regulatory standards. The airline continuously evaluates its fleet composition to match capacity with seasonal demand fluctuations and evolving route requirements, ensuring efficient and reliable operations for all passengers.
Top Flight Routes
Georgian Airways operates scheduled services primarily from Tbilisi to a range of international destinations spanning Europe, the Middle East and Russia. The airline currently serves approximately 15 international destinations in 11 countries, along with domestic flights within Georgia. Here are some of the most popular routes in the Georgian Airways network:
- Tbilisi to Amsterdam: A popular route connecting Georgia with the Netherlands, providing travellers with convenient access to Western Europe and excellent onward connection opportunities through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
- Tbilisi to Vienna: One of Georgian Airways' longest-running and most established routes, offering direct access to Austria and serving as a gateway to Central Europe for Georgian travellers.
- Tbilisi to Athens: Connecting Georgia with Greece, this route serves the strong travel demand for both leisure holidays and business travel between the two countries.
- Tbilisi to Tel Aviv: A well-established route serving the significant travel demand between Georgia and Israel, popular with both tourists and business travellers throughout the year.
- Tbilisi to Moscow: One of Georgian Airways' historically busiest routes, resumed in May 2023 after the Russian flight ban was lifted, connecting Georgia's capital with one of its most important international markets.
- Tbilisi to Batumi: A domestic route connecting Georgia's capital with the popular Black Sea coastal resort city of Batumi, especially popular during the summer holiday season.
- Tbilisi to Beirut: Linking Georgia with Lebanon and the broader Middle Eastern region, this route serves business and leisure travellers seeking connections between the Caucasus and the Levant.
For travellers departing from Malaysia, Georgian Airways destinations can be conveniently reached via connecting flights through major international hubs. You can search for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tbilisi on Traveloka, with popular connecting options available through Istanbul, Amsterdam or Vienna. Traveloka makes it easy to compare fares and find the best connecting itinerary for your journey to Georgia and the Caucasus region.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Georgian Airways provides baggage allowances that vary depending on your cabin class and fare type. Below is a detailed breakdown of the airline's current baggage policies to help you plan your packing:
Carry-on Baggage
- Economy Class: One carry-on bag weighing up to 8 kg. Maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 115 cm.
- Business Class: One carry-on bag weighing up to 12 kg. Maximum total dimensions must not exceed 115 cm.
Checked Baggage
- Light Fare (Economy): No free checked baggage is included with this fare type. Passengers travelling on a Light fare must purchase checked baggage separately if needed.
- Standard Fare (Economy): One checked bag weighing up to 23 kg is included in the ticket price at no additional charge.
- Flexi Fare (Economy): One checked bag weighing up to 23 kg is included in the fare.
- Business Class: A generous free checked baggage allowance of up to 30 kg is included for all Business Class passengers.
Infant Baggage
- Infants under 2 years (travelling without a separate seat): One piece of baggage with total dimensions not exceeding 115 cm and weighing up to 10 kg is permitted, plus one stroller or baby seat may be brought at no additional charge.
Excess and Overweight Baggage
Passengers who exceed their free baggage allowance can purchase excess baggage at the rates published by Georgian Airways. It is generally advisable to pre-purchase any additional baggage allowance online before your departure date, as rates at the airport check-in counter are typically higher. For the latest excess baggage fees and purchasing options, contact Georgian Airways directly or check their official website before your trip.
Prohibited Items
Items prohibited in carry-on luggage include sharp objects such as knives and scissors exceeding certain dimensions, flammable substances, explosives, compressed gases, toxic materials and other items as defined by international aviation security regulations. Lithium batteries exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted in checked baggage. All passengers should review the complete list of prohibited and restricted items on the Georgian Airways website before packing to avoid delays at security checkpoints.
Check-in Guide
Georgian Airways provides multiple check-in options to help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for all passengers:
Online Check-in
- Availability: Online check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for all Georgian Airways flights.
- How to access: Visit the Georgian Airways official website and navigate to the check-in section, or go directly to the dedicated online check-in portal at wci.georgian-airways.com.
- Seat selection: Standard seats can be selected free of charge during the online check-in process, allowing you to choose your preferred window, middle or aisle position.
- Supported departure airports: Online check-in is available for flights departing from Tbilisi (TBS), Amsterdam (AMS), Batumi (BUS), Moscow (VKO), Vienna (VIE), Athens (ATH), Tel Aviv (TLV) and other Georgian Airways destinations.
Airport Counter Check-in
- International flights: Airport check-in counters typically open 3 hours before the scheduled departure time and close 45 minutes before departure.
- Domestic flights: Check-in counters open 2 hours before departure and close approximately 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Passengers are strongly advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of their flight, especially during peak travel seasons and busy holiday periods, to allow adequate time for check-in, security screening, passport control and boarding procedures. You can also conveniently track your Georgian Airways flight departure and arrival times on Traveloka's Flight Status page for the latest real-time updates.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Georgian Airways offers two primary cabin classes on its scheduled flights, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable journey with a distinctly Georgian touch that showcases the country's renowned traditions of hospitality and cuisine.
Business Class
Business Class passengers enjoy a comprehensive premium travel experience that includes the following amenities and services:
- In-flight dining: A special three-course meal featuring authentic Georgian cuisine. The carefully curated menu includes salads made from freshly cut local vegetables and aromatic herbs, Georgian cheese platters, main courses prepared in traditional Georgian style with choices of fresh lamb, beef, poultry or fish, freshly baked khachapuri (Georgia's iconic cheese-filled bread), and homemade desserts such as cakes, tarts, muffins or seasonal fresh fruit.
- Premium beverages: A selection of fine Georgian red and white wines sourced from the country's renowned wine regions, along with hot tea, coffee, soft drinks, Georgian mineral water and traditional local lemonades.
- Airport lounge access: Business Class passengers receive complimentary access to Business Class lounges at select airports, including Moscow Vnukovo (VKO), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), St. Petersburg Pulkovo (LED) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV).
- Priority services: Enjoy fast-track security checks at participating airports, priority boarding at the gate, and complimentary seat selection for the most comfortable seating positions.
- Enhanced baggage: A generous checked baggage allowance of up to 30 kg and carry-on allowance of 12 kg, providing ample capacity for longer trips.
Economy Class
Economy Class passengers receive a complimentary in-flight snack service consisting of a sandwich (with a choice of cheese or ham) along with a selection of beverages including coffee, tea, still water or mineral water. The service is efficient and pleasant, reflecting the airline's commitment to providing good value at an accessible price point for all travellers. Standard seat selection is available at no additional cost during the online check-in process, allowing Economy Class passengers to choose their preferred seating position 24 hours before departure.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Georgian Airways provides a range of special services and accommodations to ensure that passengers with specific travel needs can fly comfortably and safely:
Children and Infants
- Infants (under 2 years): Infants who have not reached their second birthday prior to the commencement of travel on each flight sector may travel seated on a parent or guardian's lap without requiring a separate seat. A reduced infant fare applies to these passengers. One stroller or baby seat may be brought on board free of additional charge.
- Children (2 to 11 years): Children aged 2 years and above require their own seat and a valid ticket. Child fares may be available on select Georgian Airways routes, offering a discount on the standard adult fare.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Eligibility: Children aged 5 to 12 years may travel as unaccompanied minors on Georgian Airways flights.
- Requirements: Prior arrangement with Georgian Airways is mandatory before the travel date, along with payment of the applicable unaccompanied minor service fee. A designated responsible adult must be present at both the departure and arrival airports to hand over and receive the child.
Pregnant Passengers
- General policy: Pregnant passengers may generally travel with Georgian Airways without special restriction up to the 36th week of pregnancy for single pregnancies.
- Medical certificate: A medical certificate confirming fitness to fly may be required for passengers who are beyond 28 weeks of pregnancy. Passengers are strongly advised to contact Georgian Airways directly before making their booking to confirm the latest pregnancy travel requirements and any documentation that may be needed.
Passengers with Reduced Mobility
- Wheelchair assistance: Wheelchair services are available upon request at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Medical equipment: Portable medical devices and equipment may be carried on board the aircraft subject to prior written approval from the airline's operations team.
For all special service requests, passengers should contact the Georgian Airways call centre at (+995) 322 111 220 or notify their booking agent at least 48 hours before their scheduled departure to allow adequate time for arrangements to be put in place.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Georgian Airways offers different levels of flexibility for ticket changes and refunds depending on the fare type purchased. Understanding these policies before booking can help you choose the right fare for your travel needs:
Ticket Changes (Rescheduling)
- Light Fare: Non-changeable. Date and route changes are not permitted on Light fare tickets, which offer the lowest price in exchange for reduced flexibility.
- Standard Fare: Date changes are permitted subject to a change fee of approximately EUR 50 if the change is made before the original departure time, or EUR 70 if made after departure. Any fare difference between the original and new booking must also be paid.
- Flexi Fare: Free date changes are available at no additional fee. Only the fare difference (if the new fare is higher than the original) needs to be paid by the passenger.
- Business Class: Fully flexible date changes with no change fee charged. Any applicable fare difference may still apply if the new booking is at a higher fare level.
Refund Policy
- Light Fare: Non-refundable under any voluntary cancellation circumstances.
- Standard Fare: Non-refundable for voluntary cancellations initiated by the passenger.
- Flexi Fare: Refundable subject to a cancellation fee deducted from the refund amount.
- Business Class: Fully refundable subject to applicable cancellation fees as outlined in the fare conditions.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations
If Georgian Airways cancels a scheduled flight, the airline will make every effort to rebook affected passengers on the next available flight at no additional cost. Alternatively, passengers may request a full refund for the unused portion of their ticket. Ticket exchanges are provided free of charge in the event of airline-initiated cancellations or significant schedule delays. For refund requests on tickets purchased through the Georgian Airways official website, passengers can send an email to info@georgian-airways.com with their booking reference and details.
When you have booked your Georgian Airways flights through Traveloka, you can conveniently manage reschedule and refund requests directly through the Traveloka app or website. Traveloka provides a streamlined process for handling flight changes, cancellations and refund claims, with dedicated customer support to assist you at every step.
Why Book Georgian Airways Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka provides a convenient, secure and feature-rich platform for booking Georgian Airways flights from Malaysia. Here are the top reasons why Malaysian travellers should book through Traveloka:
- Competitive pricing: Traveloka compares fares across multiple airlines, fare classes and booking channels to help you consistently find the best available deal on Georgian Airways flights and connecting itineraries to Tbilisi and other Georgian destinations.
- Flexible payment options: Pay for your Georgian Airways booking using your preferred payment method, including major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), online banking from all major Malaysian banks, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay and ShopeePay.
- Instant e-ticket delivery: Receive your electronic ticket immediately after completing your booking and payment, with no need to visit a physical ticket office or wait for postal delivery.
- 24/7 customer support: Traveloka's dedicated customer service team is available around the clock, seven days a week, to assist you with booking queries, itinerary changes, cancellation requests and any other travel-related questions.
- Price alerts: Set up personalised fare alerts for your preferred Georgian Airways route to be automatically notified via the app when prices drop, helping you book at the optimal time for the best value.
- Bundle deals: Combine your Georgian Airways flight with hotel accommodation at your destination through Traveloka's bundled flight-plus-hotel packages, often saving more than booking each component separately.
- Traveloka Points: Earn loyalty points on every booking you make through Traveloka, which can be accumulated and redeemed for discounts and savings on your future travel bookings.
Tips for Finding Cheap Georgian Airways Flights on Traveloka
Securing the best possible fares on Georgian Airways flights takes a little planning and awareness of booking strategies. Here are practical and proven tips to help you save money on your next trip to Georgia and beyond:
- Book early: Georgian Airways fares tend to be significantly lower when booked well in advance of the travel date. Aim to complete your booking at least 4 to 6 weeks before your intended departure for the most competitive rates on popular European routes.
- Fly midweek: Flights departing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are often noticeably cheaper than those on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Use Traveloka's flexible date search feature to easily compare prices across different days of the week.
- Activate Price Alerts: Use Traveloka's Price Alert feature for your desired route to receive instant push notifications whenever fares drop below a certain threshold, ensuring you never miss a good deal.
- Check for promotional offers: Traveloka regularly features promotional deals, seasonal sales and exclusive coupon codes. Always visit the Traveloka Promos page before finalising your booking to check whether any current discounts apply to your Georgian Airways itinerary.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Avoid booking during peak travel periods such as Malaysian school holidays, Christmas, New Year and summer holiday months. Shoulder seasons such as spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) generally offer significantly lower fares to European destinations served by Georgian Airways.
- Compare fare types carefully: Georgian Airways offers Light, Standard, Flexi and Business fare options at different price points. If you are travelling light with only carry-on luggage and do not need ticket flexibility, the Light fare will provide the lowest possible price for your journey.
- Book flight and hotel bundles: Traveloka's package deals that combine flights and accommodation frequently offer better overall value than booking each component separately, especially for longer trips to destinations like Tbilisi.
How to Book Georgian Airways Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking Georgian Airways flights on Traveloka is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes. Follow these step-by-step instructions to secure your tickets:
- Visit Traveloka: Open the Traveloka app on your smartphone or go to traveloka.com/en-my on your desktop or mobile web browser to access the Malaysian version of the platform.
- Select Flights: Tap or click on the Flights section prominently displayed on the Traveloka homepage to begin your flight search.
- Enter your travel details: Input your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur), your destination (e.g., Tbilisi), your preferred travel dates for departure and return, and the number of passengers travelling including any children or infants.
- Search and compare results: Traveloka will display all available flights for your selected route, including Georgian Airways options and connecting itineraries via major hubs. Use the built-in filters to sort results by price, total travel duration, number of stops or preferred airline.
- Select your preferred flight: Review the available options and choose the Georgian Airways flight or connecting itinerary that best matches your travel schedule, budget and preferences.
- Enter passenger details: Fill in the required passenger information for all travellers on the booking, including full legal name exactly as it appears on the passport, date of birth, nationality and contact details.
- Choose your payment method: Select your preferred payment option from the wide range available. Malaysian travellers can conveniently pay using Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards, and online banking from major Malaysian banks.
- Complete your payment and receive confirmation: Carefully review your complete booking summary including passenger names, flight details, fare type and total price. Confirm your payment to finalise the booking. Your e-ticket and booking confirmation will be sent instantly to your registered email address and will also be accessible in the Traveloka app under the My Bookings section.
Once your booking is confirmed, you can manage every aspect of your trip directly through the Traveloka app, including checking real-time flight status updates, submitting reschedule or cancellation requests, downloading your e-ticket and contacting customer support for any assistance you may need before, during or after your journey with Georgian Airways.