From 15 July, direct regular flights will begin between Tbilisi and Shanghai, according to United Airports of Georgia. The service will be operated by China Eastern Airlines.
Flights are scheduled three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays — giving passengers a nonstop link between Georgia’s capital and one of China’s main international hubs.
Third Chinese carrier on the route
United Airports of Georgia said China Eastern will become the third Chinese airline operating direct regular flights between Georgia and China. The association framed the new route as support for tourism, business travel and stronger trade and economic ties.
Alongside the visa-free regime between the two countries, the direct schedule is expected to make travel simpler for visitors and residents who previously needed connecting flights through other hubs.
What it means for travellers
Shanghai is a major gateway for eastern China and onward connections across Asia. A nonstop Tbilisi–Shanghai option can cut total journey time for leisure and business passengers compared with multi-leg itineraries.
The launch fits a broader pattern of new long-haul and regional links from Tbilisi, including recent European routes covered elsewhere on Georgia Times. Travellers should confirm times, fares and baggage rules on China Eastern’s booking channels before departure.
United Airports of Georgia manages the country’s main civil airports and publishes route updates through its official channels, including airports.ge.
